The New York Board of Rabbis, Inc.

We, leaders and members of diverse faith communities, stand together as one to condemn the horrific acts of violence against the Muslim community in San Diego. On May 19th, the Islamic Center of San Diego which is home to the largest mosque in San Diego County, as well as the Al Rashid School was attacked. We grieve with the victims’ families and stand in solidarity with all who have been impacted by this horrific act of violence.

Tragedies of this nature have become all too frequent in our country as hate-filled rage spurs attacks on our houses of worship and our schools. Violence fueled by any form of religious or ethnic hatred is an assault on all of us. Hatred directed at any people violates the sacred teaching of all our faith traditions and our shared humanity. Individuals entering a house of worship and students attending schools should not have to fear for their lives anywhere in our country, nor anywhere on earth.

We mourn the lives that were lost and pray for the recovery of the injured. We stand together, with our faith traditions helping us to find healing and move forward as one.

COMMISSION OF RELIGIOUS LEADERS

Statement on the recent antisemitic acts in Queens

"The NYPD continues to closely monitor the ongoing hostilities in the Middle East. Following the mass shooting in Austin, Texas, and as Jewish communities celebrate Purim, we will maintain enhanced high-visibility patrols to sensitive locations citywide. This is due to the heightened threat environment and out of an abundance of caution.

As always, we remind the public to remain vigilant and notify the NYPD of suspicious activity by calling 1-888-NYC-SAFE or 911."

Tonight, we light the eighth and final candle of Chanukah—a moment when the menorah shines at its brightest, and the message of light feels most complete.

As we kindle this final flame, we reflect on Peace—a value that calls us to heal what is broken, protect the vulnerable, and affirm our shared humanity. Peace is not something we wait for; it is something we create through action, care, and commitment to one another.

Throughout this Chanukah, supporters of The New York Board of Rabbis have helped illuminate eight themes of light: Hope, Courage, Compassion, Justice, Gratitude, Unity, Renewal, and now Peace. Together, these values have guided our work—supporting families in crisis, safeguarding children, standing with first responders, and strengthening interfaith relationships across our city and beyond.

As the menorah reaches its full glow, we are reminded that while Chanukah ends tonight, the light we create together does not. Each act of generosity carries forward, shaping a more just, compassionate, and peaceful world.

Thank you for being part of the Light One More Candle campaign. Your support has helped transform light into action, and intention into impact.

Donate Here:

https://nybr.networkforgood.com/projects/264840-light-one-more-candle-nybr-channukah-2025

Your light makes a difference:

• $36 | Light one candle
• $180 | Light a family’s menorah (supports chaplaincy care)
• $360 | Light a community (supports child dignity initiatives)
• $1,000+ | Light the city (includes recognition at the NYBR Annual Meeting)

May this final flame inspire peace in our hearts, our communities, and the days ahead.

Give light. Give hope.

As the sun set this evening, we lit the seventh candle of Chanukah—adding another glow to the growing light of the season. Tonight, we reflect on Renewal.

Renewal reminds us that even after hardship, loss, or exhaustion, light can return. Through the work of The New York Board of Rabbis, communities are supported as they rebuild, heal, and rediscover strength after moments of crisis. Our rabbis and chaplains walk alongside individuals and families, helping restore faith, resilience, and hope for what comes next.

With each candle we light, the darkness grows smaller. Your support of the Light One More Candle campaign helps ensure that renewal is not just a feeling, but a lived experience—felt in homes, hospitals, houses of worship, and communities across our city.

As the seventh light now shines, we invite you to add to its glow. Each gift lights a virtual candle on our digital menorah and strengthens our shared commitment to care for one another.

Thank you for being part of this growing light. Together, we continue to renew hope—one candle at a time.

Donate Here:

https://nybr.networkforgood.com/projects/264840-light-one-more-candle-nybr-channukah-2025

Your light makes a difference:

• $36 | Light one candle
• $180 | Light a family’s menorah (supports chaplaincy care)
• $360 | Light a community (supports child dignity initiatives)
• $1,000+ | Light the city (includes recognition at the NYBR Annual Meeting)

Give light. Give healing.

Tonight, we will light the sixth candle of Chanukah—a flame that reflects the power of unity.

Unity does not happen by chance. It is created when people choose to come together across differences, listen with open hearts, and stand in solidarity during challenging moments.

Through interfaith dialogue, peacebuilding efforts, and shared moments of reflection, The New York Board of Rabbis helps bring clergy and communities of all traditions together to strengthen our shared humanity.

As the sixth light of Chanukah is kindled, we will reflect on what it means to build bridges instead of walls and to foster understanding in times of division. Your generosity makes this work possible—supporting gatherings, conversations, and partnerships that promote respect, cooperation, and peace across our city.

Tonight’s candle invites us to look beyond ourselves and recognize the sacred connections that bind us to one another. When we choose unity, we create a light that shines farther and stronger than any single flame.

Thank you for helping us continue this season of meaning and shared purpose. Together, we can light one more candle—and strengthen the bonds that hold us together.

Donate Here:

https://nybr.networkforgood.com/projects/264840-light-one-more-candle-nybr-channukah-2025

Your light makes a difference:

• $36 | Light one candle
• $180 | Light a family’s menorah (supports chaplaincy care)
• $360 | Light a community (supports child dignity initiatives)
• $1,000+ | Light the city (includes recognition at the NYBR Annual Meeting)

Give light. Together.

Last night, we lit the fifth candle of Chanukah, adding to a growing circle of light. Today, as its glow continues, we reflect on Gratitude—the power of recognizing and honoring those who serve with courage and care.

Gratitude is more than appreciation; it is a responsibility to show up for those who show up for us. Through the work of The New York Board of Rabbis, rabbis and chaplains stand alongside NYPD officers, FDNY firefighters, EMS personnel, and their families, offering spiritual care, crisis support, and moments of grounding in the midst of demanding and often dangerous service.

Your generosity makes this presence possible. It ensures that those who protect and serve our city are themselves seen, supported, and strengthened.

As the fifth light of Chanukah continues to shine, we invite you to help extend its warmth. Your gift today lights a virtual candle on our digital menorah and helps express our collective gratitude through action.

Each day of Chanukah, our Light One More Candle campaign reflects on a different theme of light. Today, we pause to say thank you—to those who serve our communities, and to you, for standing with them.

Your light makes a difference:

Donate Here:

https://nybr.networkforgood.com/projects/264840-light-one-more-candle-nybr-channukah-2025

Your light makes a difference:

$36 | Light one candle
$180 | Light a family’s menorah (supports chaplaincy care)
$360 | Light a community (supports child dignity initiatives)
$1,000+ | Light the city (includes recognition at the NYBR Annual Meeting)

Together, through gratitude and giving, we can brighten the days of those who protect and care for our city.

Give light. Give thanks.

Last night, we lit the fourth candle of Chanukah, adding another layer of light to our growing menorah. Today, we reflect on the theme of Justice, and our shared responsibility to protect the most vulnerable among us.

Justice is more than an ideal; it is a daily commitment to dignity, safety, and care. At the NYBR, that commitment is reflected in our work to safeguard children, strengthen ethical standards, and ensure that every child can grow in an environment rooted in trust and respect.

Through education, advocacy, and oversight, the NYBR helps create communities where children are protected, families are supported, and concerns are met with compassion and accountability. Your generosity makes this work possible, helping us uphold the sacred responsibility we share to protect every child’s well-being.

As the fourth candle continues to shine, we invite you to help extend its light. Each gift lights a virtual candle on our digital menorah and strengthens our ability to stand for justice where it matters most.

This Chanukah, our Light One More Candle campaign unfolds day by day, reflecting on eight themes of light. Today, we ask you to stand with us for Justice and for a future where every child is safe, valued, and seen.

Thank you for being part of this sacred work and for helping us build a brighter, more just world together.

Donate Here: https://nybr.networkforgood.com/projects/264840-light-one-more-candle-nybr-channukah-2025

Your light makes a difference:
$36 | Light one candle
$180 | Light a family’s menorah (supports chaplaincy care)
$360 | Light a community (supports child dignity initiatives)
$1,000+ | Light the city (includes recognition at the NYBR Annual Meeting)

Together, we can light one more candle and help justice shine brighter each day of Chanukah.

Give light. Give justice.

Last night, we lit the second candle of Chanukah, adding strength to the growing light. Today, as its glow continues, we reflect on the theme of Courage—the courage to stand up, to speak out, and to show up for one another.

Courage is essential in times of fear and division. Through your support, the New York Board of Rabbis brings people together across faiths, confronts hatred with compassion, and fosters dialogue rooted in dignity and mutual respect. NYBR rabbis and leaders help guide our city toward understanding, unity, and moral clarity when it is needed most.
As the light of Chanukah grows brighter, so does our responsibility to carry it forward. Your gift today lights another virtual candle on our digital menorah, strengthening the work of courage that sustains our communities and builds bridges where they are most needed.

Our Light One More Candle campaign continues throughout Chanukah, with each day highlighting a different theme of light. Yesterday, we began with Hope. Today, we invite you to add Courage—knowing that every act of generosity helps push back darkness and bring us closer together.

Thank you for standing with us and for helping ensure that courage remains a guiding light in our city.

Donate Here: https://nybr.networkforgood.com/projects/264840-light-one-more-candle-nybr-channukah-2025

Your light makes a difference:
• $36 | Light one candle
• $180 | Light a family’s menorah (supports chaplaincy care)
• $360 | Light a community (supports child dignity initiatives)
• $1,000+ | Light the city (includes recognition at the NYBR Annual Meeting)

Together, let us continue to light one more candle—today with courage, and in the days ahead with compassion, justice, unity, and peace.

Give light. Give hope. Give courage.

Last night, we lit the first candle of Chanukah—a small flame that carries a powerful message of hope. Today, as we begin our Light One More Candle Chanukah Campaign, we reflect on hope in action.

Hope is not something we wait for; it is something we create together. Through your generosity, NYBR rabbis and chaplains bring comfort and care to families in crisis, support first responders in moments of trauma, and stand beside individuals facing illness, loss, and uncertainty.

As the first light of Chanukah continues to glow, we invite you to help us extend its reach. Your gift today lights a virtual candle on our digital menorah and helps kindle compassion, courage, and healing throughout our city.

This campaign will unfold over the days of Chanukah, as we reflect on eight themes of light—beginning today with Hope. Each day offers an opportunity to add another light and strengthen our shared commitment to one another.

Thank you for helping us begin this season of generosity and meaning. Together, we can light one more candle—and brighten the days ahead.

Donate Here: https://nybr.networkforgood.com/projects/264840-light-one-more-candle-nybr-channukah-2025

Your light makes a difference:

$36 | Light one candle
$180 | Light a family’s menorah (supports chaplaincy care)
$360 | Light a community (supports child dignity initiatives)
$1,000+ | Light the city (includes recognition at the NYBR Annual Meeting)

Light one more candle with us. 

Give light. Give hope.

From Chabad Bedford USA

This moment is not about Jews alone. It is not about politics, territory, or geography. What we are witnessing is a challenge to the very foundations of civilized society – to the belief that life is sacred, that every human being is created in the Divine image, and to the firm conviction that goodness and moral responsibility must guide our world. Throughout history, the Jewish people have been targeted because they carry a moral message that evil cannot tolerate. But history has also shown that when good people stand together, evil loses. This is a moment for Jews and Gentiles alike to recognize that we are on the same side of history.

The Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Schneerson, leader of the worldwide Chabad Lubavitch movement, taught us that the message of Chanukah is the power of light - how it is most potent precisely when the darkness feels overwhelming. Our enemies hope to instill fear so that we retreat and cancel our menorah lightings. We must respond as our ancestors did – not by hiding, but by standing stronger, prouder, and more united than ever. The Chanukah story was born out of devastation, yet it became a celebration of courage, faith, and a single flame that transformed everything.

We are urging Jewish and non-Jewish, men, women, and children – to come together, not only as an act of solidarity with the Jewish people, but as a declaration that all good people stand on the front lines of this moral struggle. We prevail when we stand united, grounded in pride, strength, kindness, and the unshakable belief in the dignity of human life.

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