Igniting Souls on Chanukah

Dear Friends,

As most are probably aware, this Chanukah we started a new initiative, spreading the light of Chanukah throughout Vancouver Island, with public Menorah lighting in 5 different cities. The success was beyond any expectation and the response was overwhelming.  There was one meeting in particular that I will never forget.

When arrived at Campbell River City Hall, one hour prior to the event and, there was a man waiting there, looking anxious and excited. After we started setting up I walked over to him.  He said "Shalom, Rabbi!" and started weeping...

"Excuse my emotion" he said, "It is been many years since I have said hello to a Rabbi.” As we had a short while until the event began, I had a nice chat with this man, who by now I knew that his name was Salomon Rosenberg.

Salomon has lived in Campbell River for close to thirty years. When he arrived he knew of a few older Jews, who passed away shortly after, and since then he had never met a Jewish soul on the Island.

Reading in the newspaper about the lighting of the Menorah in front of city hall excited him greatly, he was hoping to meet other Jews, and reclaim connection. "I'm pinching myself, I can’t believe that this is happening here, in Campbell River" he told me.

At the end of the event - the locals got to know the new member of the community, and Salomon was inspired to get involved in Jewish life.

Salomon grew up in a Jewish home, had a Bar Mitzvah and celebrated Jewish holidays in his youth, but since he had moved to Campbell River his Jewish soul wasn't expressed, it was reignited in front of the candles on the 5th day of Chanukah 5771.