A Chanukah Historic Chanukah Celebration!

Shalom Y'all,

What an exciting celebration that was!

Close to 200 people! gathered in Bricktown for the inaugural Chanukah Celebration ‘Light Up Bricktown. They enjoyed a very memorable event. What an evening; Great live music by the Chai Oklahoma Quartet, ‘Dreidel Man’, The Choir, a giant Menorah lighting, dancing, glow-in-the-dark dreidel glasses and delicious Chanukah treats. Jewish Pride and joy is the recurring theme that we are receiving in almost all of the feedback. (If you have pictures or videos from the event please e-mail it to [email protected]). See photo album below.

And Thursday morning it made the FRONT OPAGE of the Oklahoman!

We want to thank everyone who participated: A great thank you to Nechoma Goldman and Rochel Goldman. Major thanks to our Rabbinic interns; Rabbi’s Chaim Levy Cohen in the lead, Mendy Grossbaum, Berel Bendet and Mendel Misholovin form the Richard and Glenna Tanenbaum Rabbinic Intern Program.
Thank you; Larry Davis for your help and amazing energetic ruach!, Stefani and Siva Nachatillo for all your help with the generator, truck, prep and setup, Nissim Revah for your help with the generator.
We thank our major sponsors Larry and Ronna Davis and Aron and Ronit Judkeiwicz …
This event would not happen without the help of Jeff Kline and State Senator David Holt, the Mayors staff, the people at Bricktown Events and the Oklahoma City Redhalks.
And we thank the honorable Mayor Mick Cornett for his participation.

Our city made history this week as we lit up Bricktown, together!

If you missed this historic moment you can still view our giant Menorah display in front of the Ballpark. Take your family there, snap some photos and send them to us!

Shabbat Shalom and a very Happy Chanukah,

Rabbi Ovadia Goldman

PS Look out for the now famous Menorah Mobile (if you want a visit from the Menorah mobile please contact us) and stop for a photo at the beautiful Menroah in Penn Square Mall (between the Apple and Microsoft stores). Click here for all your Chanukah needs.

Saturday Night, November 30, 2013 7:30 PM
Chabad Community Center

Bring your Menorah and enjoy beautiful Chanukah evening with Hot Latkes, soup and more...

Suggested donation $10

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Chanukah in Iran, 1980

"I first met the Rebbe during the lifetime of his father-in-law and predecessor, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchack of Lubavitch," related Rabbi Avrohom Mordechai Hershberg, the past Chief Rabbi of Mexico. "I asked the previous Rebbe about a Rabbinic position I was offered in Chicago. He told me to consult his son-in-law.

"I spent nearly an entire night with the Rebbe. Our discussion covered tractate after tractate of the Talmud, and the scope of the Rebbe's knowledge and his genius totally amazed me. From that night onward, I maintained a relationship with the Rebbe, and I consulted with him regarding numerous personal and public matters."

In 1980, during the Iranian occupation of the American embassy, Rabbi Hershberg was scheduled to travel to Iran for a public service project. Because of the tense atmosphere at the time, many tried to persuade him to postpone his trip. The Rebbe, by contrast, encouraged him: "Go with blessing," he answered. "You are certain to light the Chanukah menorah in Iran."

Rabbi Hershberg was puzzled by the Rebbe's closing words. He was not necessarily planning to stay in Iran for Chanukah. But if he would, there was no question that he would light a menorah. He did not understand the Rebbe's reference, nor the emphatic tone in his words.

Afterwards, it became clear. Rabbi Hershberg's mission in Iran took longer than expected, during which time he developed a relationship with some Iranian officials. He knew that there were six Jews among the hostages in the American embassy and he asked permission to light the menorah with them. "Just as we have granted permission for a priest to meet with the Christian hostages on their holiday," the Iranians replied, "we will allow you entry as well."

And so it was in the barricaded American embassy in Iran that Rabbi Hershberg lit the Chanukah menorah that year.

CLICK ON THE PICTURE FOR FULL ALBUM

Shabbat candles are lit before dark, inside our home. By contrast, Chanukah's candles have to light into the darkness of the night, and near a window facing out into the street.

A Sunday school teacher was discussing the Ten Commandments with her five and six year olds.

After explaining the commandment to 'Honour thy father and thy mother,' she asked,

'Is there a commandment that teaches us how to treat our brothers and sisters?'