Lamternshtik Leads Historic Mivtza Matzah in Sheepshead Bay, Empowering Crown Heights Residents with the Rebbe’s Shlichus

As the joyous festival of Pesach approached, a quiet revolution was underway in Sheepshead Bay—a project that combined deep organization, heartfelt inspiration, and the Rebbe’s vision, with powerful results. The grassroots initiative Lamternshtik partnered with Chabad of Sheepshead Bay, under the leadership of Rabbi Cohen, to lead this year’s Mivtza Matzah campaign in unprecedented fashion. Their efforts enabled hundreds of Crown Heights residents—many of whom never before had the practical opportunity—to take part in the Rebbe’s mivtzoim, fulfilling his directive with pride, purpose, and dignity.

Lamternshtik, directed by Rabbi Schwartz and his dedicated team, was founded with a clear mission: to empower locals who are eager to join the Rebbe’s outreach work but lacked the infrastructure to do so. This Pesach, their partnership with Chabad of Sheepshead Bay allowed that vision to come alive. With over 5,700 boxes of Shmurah Matzah—each containing three matzos—distributed throughout the Sheepshead Bay community, the project impacted thousands of Yidden, providing them with the “bread of faith” and a direct connection to their heritage.

This number represents an unprecedented milestone, surpassing last year’s already impressive 4,200-box effort by a staggering 1,500 packages.

Seamless, Structured, and Soulful

Every aspect of the campaign was meticulously planned. Lamternshtik took on the logistical load—from compiling detailed delivery lists, purchasing thousands of matzah boxes, to packing them into respectful gift bags. Each bag included clear instructions on how to fulfill the mitzvah of eating matzah, written in both English and Russian, as well as sale of Chometz forms and Pesach guides, ensuring each recipient had the tools they needed for a meaningful Pesach experience.

“Lamternshtik made it possible for our family to have a very productive and seamless Mivtzoim experience in honor of Yud Aleph Nissan this year,” shared Dovid O., who led a group of ten families on the Sheepshead Bay routes.

Reaching Hearts, One Matzah at a Time

The reactions from recipients spoke volumes. “Thank you so very much for the lovely Shmurah matzah left at my doorstep,” wrote Ronna, one of the many touched by the heartfelt delivery. another volunteer shared: One lady was very excited and she printed me a matzah cake recipe!

Volunteers themselves were equally inspired. A student from Beis Rivkah’s Sem Beis shared:

“This year’s Mivtza Matzah was incredibly organized. When I heard about how many matzos were being given out—5,700 boxes!—and how Lamternshtik worked in partnership with Chabad of Sheepshead Bay, it made us feel like we were part of something huge. We hope to expand to other neighborhoods next year by working hand-in-hand with the local shluchim. Our group personally gave out over 200 matzos, helped people sell their chometz, and even connected them with mezuzah resources. One woman we met was so surprised, she said, ‘This is for me?!’ Her face lit up—it was a moment of true connection.”

A Word of Gratitude and Vision for the Future

The incredible success of this year’s Mivtza Matzah is thanks in no small part to the tireless work of Rabbi Schwartz and his team, who coordinated every detail with care and clarity. Their dedication ensured that hundreds of Crown Heights residents could become shluchim themselves, right in their own backyard.

As S.L. – another leader of one of the groups put it:
It was a really special opportunity to be part of Mivtza Matzah. Once I reached out to Rabbi Yankel Katzman, all the planning was taken care of from A to Z – the matzahs were packed, routes were figured out, and all details were handled. It was such a smooth process and a huge relief having everything planned out when dealing with a large group going on Mivtzoim. The girls had a great time knocking on doors, connecting with families, and explaining all about Matzah and Pesach. They felt so empowered and proud to have been part of this meaningful shlichus.

A special thanks is due Rabbi Elisha Cherniak for significantly helping out in the funding of the project.
As well as to the team led by Yanky Malov and Shneur Rosenberg for leading all the organization on the ground, as well as Yisrolik Davidzun for directing and organizing all the routes.

As Lamternshtik looks ahead, plans are already in motion to expand the initiative to other areas of Brooklyn in the coming years, G-d willing, by coordinating closely with local shluchim.

Because when each Yid receives a matzah with warmth and sincerity, it’s not just a mitzvah—it’s a step closer to preparing the world for Moshiach.