Batei Tsibur’s Annual Chanukah Celebration
On December 11, 2023, the Organization of Jewish Employees at NYCHA (Batei Tsibur) held a Chanukah celebration in NYCHA’s Ceremonial Room at 90 Church Street (and virtually, for those unable to attend in person). Chanukah, also called the Festival of Lights, commemorates the miracle of one day’s worth of sacred oil lasting eight days (which is how long it would ordinarily take for more sacred oil to be prepared).
Batei Tsibur President Daniel Mahpour introduced the event’s speaker, Rabbi Levi Baumgarten, Director of the Chabad Lubavitch “Mitzvah Tank,” which was established in New York City in 1974. Rabbi Baumgarten spoke of his organization’s many activities, such as its portable “educational and outreach center” and “mini-synagogue” that educate New Yorkers of all faiths, encourage passersby to perform mitzvot (commandments and good deeds), and assist those who are interested in performing traditional Jewish rituals, such as the putting on of Tefillin (phylacteries) and using candles to honor the Sabbath and menorahs to celebrate Chanukah.
In addition to the meaningful words and conversations, attendees enjoyed refreshments.
