Illuminating the Way Home
Chana. I’ve always loved my name. Along with the privilege of carrying a special name comes responsibility.
The Rebbe has taught that Chana is the acronym for the three foundational mitzvos entrusted to Jewish women: challah, neiros, and taharat hamishpacha. These particular mitzvos provide the spiritual grace (HaCHaiN) to our families and the world at large.
As a young girl, I was fortunate to watch my dear aunt Esther Sternberg invest effort, devotion, and passion into Mivtza Neshek. She took her marching orders from the Rebbe seriously.
These early childhood experiences instilled in me a deep appreciation for the transformative power of candle lighting. Today, I’m proud to continue this tradition, inspiring others to join me in spreading light along with nurturing hope for the safe return of the hostages.
Following October 7, I felt compelled to take action. I began brainstorming for ways to add light as a merit for the hostages’ release. I connected with Bella Rubashkin, and we discussed an idea: to design matchboxes with photos of each hostage. Our goal was to intensify the Rebbe’s message of increasing light, especially during a time of darkness and challenge.
A few days later, Bella shared a WhatsApp with me—a photo of a basket filled with candle sets and cards bearing the hostages’ names.
A woman named Jamie Rubin was looking for people to share these cards all over Israel. I immediately loved the idea and contacted Jamie, telling her I would gladly assist in spreading the word.
My serendipitous discussion with Jamie marked the beginning of our collaboration. I proceeded to contact many Shluchos involved with Mivtza Neshek in Israel. I also knew the bachurim at the Nova site and coordinated delivery of the cards to be distributed.
When in Israel, I visited the Hostage Square for Ariel Bibas’ birthday. I brought one thousand sets of orange candles honoring Ariel. The crowd loved the idea, and they were eagerly received. I invited Jimmy Miller, a relative of the Bibas family, to the table to show him the orange candle sets. He relayed how Chabad has helped the family throughout this entire ordeal.
Jamie knows Rachel Goldberg-Polin, as well as other hostages, and felt compelled to do something for their safe return. Rachel shared Jamie’s initiative on Instagram, which inspired and encouraged women worldwide to light candles for her beloved Hersh.
When we spoke, Jamie told me how the whole idea was born. Jo Woolfe, an event planner from London, first came up with the idea of people lighting Shabbat candles for the hostages in their own homes when she set up the empty Shabbat table for the hostages at a Jewish community center at the end of October.
“There were blue candles for Israel at the Shabbat table, and we decided to give them away to visitors. After the Shabbat table closed, I really felt I needed to do something, so I decided to carry on with the candles.”
For the first couple of weeks, Jo packed 600 sets, yet demand quickly grew both locally and globally, and Jo estimates that some 100,000 pairs of candles are now being distributed worldwide every week.
With the help of a team of volunteers, Jo Woolfe packs 2,000 pairs of candles every week, which are then delivered to kosher shops and Jewish schools.
Thanks to an Instagram post by influencer Chaya of London, and with the continued support of Rabbi Yisroel Weisz of The Village Shul in Hampstead, the idea has gone viral, with similar projects springing up in Canada, the USA, and Israel, as well as in many other countries.
As of today:
6 million candles have been distributed,
100 thousand a week globally, and 2 thousand weekly in England.
This monumental project has transcended borders and backgrounds, uniting women in their quest to spread light and hope. This collaborative effort has made it possible for people from all walks of life to participate. As we continue to light candles, we stand together in solidarity, praying for the safe release of the hostages.
So let’s keep spreading light!
Many women who have never lit before have begun to light candles. The cards are a beautiful way to encourage women and girls to begin lighting and can be customized for content and location—a wonderful idea for Chabad houses worldwide to encourage and spread light.
Let’s keep shining!
For more information about this project, or for help customizing the cards, please contact Chanie at
1-917-601-1135.
In Nissan, the month of miracles and redemption, may all the hostages be safely returned to their loved ones and celebrate a most joyous Pesach!
Funds are needed to continue this project in Israel.
Please donate here: YouBeTheirLight.com
