Menorah Lit at Historic Jerusalem Train Station

A Chanukah menorah candle lighting ceremony took place every night of Chanukah at the Tachana Rishona (First Station) complex in Jerusalem.

The historic Ottoman train station dating back over 100 years was recently refurbished and opened, with restaurants and coffee shops. Controversially – particularly for the city’s large Chareidi-religious community – although some restaurants are kosher, others are not and are open during Shabbat with music and other outdoor activities.

But Rabbi Avraham and Nechama Dina Hendel of Chabad of Baka said that rather than protest, they have chosen to set up a large menorah for the entire community.

“There was a spiritual glow this Chanukah at Tachana Rishona, thanks to daily menorah lightings, including lively music, dancing, and the distribution of hundreds of doughnuts,” Rabbi Hendel stated. “Jews of all religious affiliations and backgrounds have been invited from the crowd to light the huge menorah and recite the brachot.”

Other attractions at the candle lighting ceremony have been dancing yeshiva students from the ‘RAP’ Yeshiva in Nachlaot and a fire juggler. On Monday, a group of wheelchair-bound Jerusalem residents joined in the dance circle for the most touching dance of all.

One of the candle lighting ceremonies was dedicated in memory of local community member Ira Feldman, OBM, an immigrant from the United States who died unexpectedly two weeks ago.

Another lighting was dedicated in memory of Rabbi Hendel’s brother Levi, OBM, who passed away on Chanukah in 2006 at the age of 13,

He and three other Chabad volunteers lost their lives in a car crash on the road to Eilat. They were on their way to a Chanukah program on an IDF army base, delivering traditional Chanukah doughnuts and candles, and to help with holiday celebrations.

The Beit Levi-Chabad of Baka community, a warm haven for olim, was founded in Levi’s memory, and strives to emulate his selflessness and love for fellow Jews.