The Charlotte Jewish News - November 2023 - Page 8 Religious Life
Miracles of Light: Nissim Black’s Extraordinary Journey From Darkness to Faith By Rabbi Levi Cohen Join us in celebrating an extraordinary journey from adversity to faith at Chabad of Charlotte’s upcoming event, “Miracles of Light: A Chanukah Concert with Nissim Black.” While Nissim’s music has captured hearts worldwide, his path to becoming a musician and Orthodox Jew is a story of resilience and transformation. A Glimpse into Nissim Black’s Early Life Nissim Black’s life began in a challenging environment, growing up in a rough neighborhood in Seattle. His parents were involved in drug dealing, and the FBI raided their home when he was just eight years old. His grandfather, a significant presence in his life, ended up in prison.
“I didn’t grow up on the streets,” Nissim recalls. “The streets grew up in my house.” His early years were tumultuous, marked by regular pot smoking by the age of 12 and expulsion from school. But at the age of 13, Nissim was offered a lifeline — an after-school hiphop program owned by a Christian organization. For the first time, he experienced a sense of normalcy and safety, which kept him away from trouble. A Journey to Judaism Nissim’s spiritual journey eventually led him to explore Judaism. After two years in a Messianic congregation, Nissim and his high school sweetheart, Adina, decided to convert to Judaism. They began their journey by studying under a local Sephardic rabbi, Rabbi Simon Benzaquen. The Sephardic
community felt culturally close and welcoming, allowing them to grow and thrive. However, Nissim’s spiritual journey was far from over. His fascination with Chassidic Judaism led him to immerse himself further in Torah study and spirituality. The teachings of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov resonated deeply with him, emphasizing personal prayer and building a close relationship with G-d. This connection to Chassidic Judaism became a driving force in Nissim’s life. Chabad of Charlotte’s Journey to “Miracles of Light” Chabad of Charlotte’s path to this grand event is a testament to its dedication to bringing the spirit of Chanukah to the community. It all started with Nissim Black to perform at Chabad of Charlotte’s “Miracles of Light” Chanukah creative ice, Lego, and coin concert chanukiot designed to capture attention and inspire the ideals tional Chassidic rapper, Nissim munity. Despite their unique of giving. Over the years, the Black, to Uptown Charlotte at Le background, they have been emevent has grown steadily, evolv- Méridien for what promises to be braced and loved by the Orthoing from a modest gathering of the biggest Chanukah event yet. dox Jewish community. Nissim’s An Ambassador of Faith music career has soared, with a few hundred people at indoor and Inspiration over 32,000 monthly listeners on events at SouthPark Mall into a Today, Nissim Black and Spotify and millions of views on breathtaking spectacle. his family of nine live in Beit YouTube. In 2020, faced with the need to limit in-person gatherings, a Shemesh, Israel, and are an in(Continued on page 9) novel idea emerged: a parking lot tegral part of the Hasidic comgathering with families in their cars, collectively tuned in to a broadcast on the radio as they watched the lighting of a giant menorah built from nine scissor lifts. Approximately 500 people attended this unique celebration. The following year, nearly 800 participants enjoyed a Havurat Tikvah will hold a along with kiddush, challah and joyful concert by 8th Day. In Community Shabbat Service blessings. 2022, a stunning 1,000 attend- on Nov. 18, 10 a.m., at AvonHavurat Tikvah is a warm, ees joined the “Unite with Light dale Presbyterian Church, 2821 supportive, and nurturing Jewish Chanukah Festival” at Sympho- Park Rd., in a newly-marked Reconstructionist congregation ny Park. Now, in 2023, Chabad classroom (see signs on door). with Shabbat services and a full of Charlotte aims to set a new Following services a social will spectrum of holiday observancmilestone by bringing the sensa- be held es, as well as religious educational options for both families and single adults. We are a diverse group of families, singles, and Jewish and interfaith coutemplesolelsc.org ples who participate in projects that promote social justice. @TempleSolelSC We value and depend upon member participation and leadership for our religious services, spiritual growth, and governance. Havurat Tikvah is an affiliate of Reconstructing Judaism.For more information on upcoming services, programs, membership or other queries, call (980) 2255330, write to Havurat Tikvah, Helping the less P.O. Box 12684, Charlotte, NC fortunate is a major 28220, email membership@hapart of who we are. vurattikvah.org or visit havuratIf you are looking for tikvah.org. Havurat Tikvah is also on Facebook at facebook. a way to get involved, com/groups/havurattikvah/. COME JOIN US!
Havurat Tikvah To Host In-Person Community Shabbat Services
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6/29/23 4:00 PM
