As the Allentown Fire Truck lifted Mayor Pawlowski and Rabbi Halperin up to light the oversized Hanukkah Menorah, the ritual was being repeated in 1,000 cities. Although Jews have always lit a small menorah in the privacy of their homes, community menorahs are the handiwork of a relatively small Jewish group. The Chabad Lubavitch Hasidic Dynasty started 250 years ago, in Russia and eastern Europe. Their last Rebbe*, Menachen M. Schneerson, transformed the sect into an outreach mission to Jews everywhere. The Rebbe, their 7th leader, passed away in 1994. Rabbi Halperin is one of 4,000 emissaries he sent throughout the world.
* A Rebbe is a rabbi and leader held in exalted esteem
Nice Job Michael. Arlene Dabrow
ReplyDeleteMM, As you know, I attended a zoning hearing recently in which a local Chabad is expanding in Bethlehem. I love that movement, and can't wait to go to their open house when they expand. It will be their third time in Bethlehem.
ReplyDeleteHappy Hanukkah!
Mike,
ReplyDeleteHappy Hanukkah.
Scott Armstrong
More than you want to know dept.; bernie and scott, thanks for your hanukkah wishes, but i won't be accepting anymore. i was there not to celebrate hanukkah, but to show support to a minority within a minority, which has the gumption to exert itself in an overwhelmingly different culture, especially this time of year.
ReplyDeleteGood comment Mike. You could almost be a Democrat. He is a superb Rabbi. Chabad Lubavitch was on PCN last night in the Capitol Building in Harrisburg. Arlene
ReplyDelete