Chabad ‘Torch’ Diary Series

At the age of 15, Simcha Moishe Kreindler, now co-director of Chabad TORCH, was the 1st place winner at a junior golf tournament in Red Bluff, Ca.

Over 15 yrs. later, Kreindler returned to Red Bluff with his family to win a different type of battle, the battle of light over darkness.

Red Bluff, California, home to red-necks and real California cowboys has a population of approximately 15,000. As a small town wedged between Sacramento and Redding, CA along the Interstate 5, it is the last place you would expect to find Jews gathering for menorah lighting, let alone any Jews at all.

There is no Reform or Conservative “Jewish” facility in Red Bluff and the nearest Chabad Shliach is roughly 50 miles away. In fact, Red Bluff is home to many Nazis and KKK members. It is even common for people to have “KKK” on their business cards in Red Bluff, CA as reported by one of Red Bluff’s long time Jewish residents, a Chiropractor; who has had run-ins with former SS officers.

For whatever reason, Chabad TORCH felt a calling to this small town, and the town became the site of a first ever public menorah lighting for the 5th night of Chanukah.

After a day filled with mivtzoim, Chabad TORCH hit gold when one of their ‘Whitepages contacts’ answered his door.

After driving almost a mile on a private road, Chabad TORCH found the home of a Mr. Cohen living on a 3.5 acre parcel in Red Bluff, CA. Simcha Moishe rang the doorbell and heard a young boy call out, “A Rabbi is at the door!” The door slowly opened and out appeared the face of a Jew, a Jew with a big smile. Mr. Cohen had arrived home only minutes earlier after a 4 hour drive. He warmly opened the door which led to a 3 hour conversation which included:

A first ever tefillin wrapping for the 50 plus year old Mr. Cohen
A first ever brand new mezuzah on the front door of the 18 year old house
A warm discussion about Torah and mitzvos
A Chabad style Chanukah menorah lighting ceremony

It turns out Mr. Cohen is from the Los Angeles Valley where he grew up attending a Conservative shul. He studied and prepared for his Bar Mitzvah with the Rabbi of the shul, but just before his Bar Mitzvah, the “Rabbi” committed suicide. Cohen explained that this experience left him feeling confused about Judaism, yet he continued to stay connected. As a Red Bluff resident, Mr. Cohen has been celebrating many of the Jewish holidays privately in his home.

Nevertheless, at this point in his life he is ready to return to his roots in a bigger way. As a prominent figure in the Red Bluff community, he realizes that he has a unique responsibility to be a beacon of light in Red Bluff.
Chabad TORCH quickly rushed out of the Cohen residence upon realizing that they were running late for the scheduled public menorah lighting in downtown Red Bluff which was set for 7:30pm that night.

After lighting their own menorah at the local inn where they were staying, they hurried to Cone & Kimball Plaza in downtown Red Bluff. Arriving just at 7:30, The Kreindlers were both happy and apologetic to find a crowd of people already waiting …THIS is when ANOTHER Chanukah miracle literally “drove by.”

A mother and daughter halted their car to the sight of Chabad TORCH rushing to set an 8 foot grand menorah.

It turns out that the mother-daughter team did not even know about the event and they were just driving by. Why is this such a miracle?
The Mother in the car, who is in her mid40’s, had found just one year ago that she is Jewish. Her maternal grandmother had announced to her, on her deathbed, that she was adopted. She investigated and through much effort located her biological mother; a Jew. She knew this meant she had a blessed heritage, but knew little of this faith.

Thus, when she and her daughter happened across the Chanukah event, they soon were attending their first ever public menorah lighting and authentic Chanukah experience. They stood in the crowd soaking up the warmth as the Red Bluff winds continued to blow.

Sometimes running late is really right on time…

What’s next for the Jews of Red Bluff?

Mr. Cohen has generously offered to open his home as the venue for a 3 day Shabbaton (Sabbath party) for about 30 Jewish locals at the Cohen’s ranch-style residence in honor of his father’s upcoming Yahrzeit (anniversary of passing). G-d willing, Chabad TORCH will be bringing a sacred Sefer Torah (Torah Scroll) to the event.

Please show your support for the work that Chabad TORCH is doing to gather the dispersed diamonds that are scattered amongst California’s small towns. Send an email to ChabadTORCH@gmail.com with any donation commitments.

Chabad TORCH can also be reached at 310. 467.9913