Chabad of Baka
Photo Credits: Tamas Kalman & Josh Fleisher
Chabad of Baka, directed by Rabbi Avraham and Nechama Dina Hendel, celebrated their 14th anniversary and once again illuminated Jerusalem’s trendy First Station on a nightly basis over Chanukah.
This year, the enthusiasm and positive energy of the new Chabad yeshiva Ohr Olam added even more light and joy to the festivities. Directed by Rabbi Moshe Gitler and Juda Lipkind, Ohr Olam held their daily Torah classes at Chabad of Baka and are especially active in the Friendship Circle of South Jerusalem, directed by Chabad of Baka.
Boys of all ages with special needs are benefitting from the devotion and kindness of the yeshivah students at Ohr Olam, who are part of a team of 100 volunteers from different yeshivos and seminaries.
As the huge Chabad menorah in the center of First Station was lit each evening, there was music, dancing, and over 100 menorahs with candle boxes were given to less affiliated Jews. Donuts were distributed by the hundreds, bringing joy and cheer to participants of all ages.
The highlight of Chanukah was night number four, which marks the yartzeit of Rabbi Hendel’s brother Levi Hendel OBM (ben Yisrael Yosef Hakohen) Hendel tragically passed away en route to Chanukah outreach with IDF soldiers 15 years ago. A fire show and outdoor concert with the Solomon brothers delighted the many people who had come out in tribute to Levi, Chabad of Baka’s namesake.
The event also celebrated the many children and volunteers in the Friendship Circle of South Jerusalem. Moshe, a young man with special needs, together with Shaul Levy, his Friendship Circle buddy from Ohr Olam, lit the gigantic menorah, warming the hearts of the hundreds of people who had gathered, despite the rainy weather.
Fleur Nahoum, Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem, praised the work of Chabad of Baka and the Friendship Circle that they run. “You are building such an incredible community. You are building a home for new olim and Jerusalem residents in the center of gravity, and I am in awe of the work that you do.”
On night number eight, there was also a phenomenal concert with Moshe Feiglin and his band, where the Ohr Olam boys once again danced through the night.
VIDEO:
After 14 years of service, Chabad of Baka is now running a Charidy campaign to help build a permanent center on the beautiful plot of land they have received from Jerusalem’s City Hall on the prominent Derech Beit Lechem Road.
Since last year’s campaign, the amount raised has grown from $500,000 to $1,000,000! B’ezras Hashem with your help, we will get closer to our final goal of over $2 million for the project, and we plan to break ground this summer!
This is YOUR chance to help build Jerusalem and to partner with Chabad of Baka in the vital work that they do for residents and visitors.
Every donation will be TRIPLED by a generous matcher.
May your tzedaka to help re-build Yerushalayim Ir Hakodesh on this auspicious day of 10 Teves bring bountiful brachos to you and your family and hasten the coming of Moshiach- speedily now!
https://charidy.com/chabad-baka
Wow So Special!
This looks amazing! The Hendels are the best!!
Keep up the incredible work!
I know a student in that yeshiva who doesn’t stop raving about it!! Rabbi Gitler and Juda Lipkind are doing an unbelievable job of making this yeshiva happen!! Hatzlocho Rabbah!!
You are role models of the real deal! So idealistic, giving, capable, authentic, and nonstop doing incredible peulos! Hope your campaign is successful beyond imagination. just donated 🙂
I happened to be there during Chanukah and it was really amazing as described. Rabbi Hendel ,his wife and the new yeshiva ,are a great match. The boys with Rabbi Moshe Gitler and Juda were super ,they made it a real celebration. Looking forward for Purim.