The Klausenberger Rebbe and the Miracle of Chanukah

For eight harrowing months, the Klausenberger Rebbe was caught in the talons of the Nazis, imprisoned in Mühldorf, a concentration and labor camp approximately fifty miles from Munich. Life in Mühldorf was a relentless struggle for survival, as the camp was divided into two sections: the main camp (Stammlager), serving as the central assembly point for forced laborers, and the forest camp (Waldlager), located deep within a forest some fifteen kilometers from a village called Ampfing.

The living conditions were appalling. Inside the Waldlager, the walls were lined with bunks stacked one atop the other, leaving only a small square space in the center of each hut. Each bunk contained a sack filled with a bit of straw, serving as a makeshift mattress. A single small window above the entrance provided the only source of light. These bunkers, scattered throughout the camp, were surrounded by electrified barbed wire fences.

Amidst these dire circumstances, the Rebbe once described the remarkable events surrounding his ability to light Chanukah candles during his imprisonment in Mühldorf and the miracles he experienced as a result:

“It just so happened that shortly before Chanukah, I was assigned to work in the camp wood warehouse. With the assistance of several other Jewish prisoners, I secretly made a wooden menorah.

[We] obtained oil and wicks from the Germans. [It is rumored that the oil was margarine stored up for the daily rations, and the wicks were threads separated from the prisoners’ clothing.]

“When the first night of Chanukah arrived, I merited lighting the first light. We were extremely happy. On one of the following nights, however, the candles started a fire and the barracks went up in flames. The rumor has it that this occurred on Friday night; thus, the prisoners could do nothing to stop it. The Nazis immediately investigated to discover the cause of the fire. They would surely kill the prisoner who dared to commit such an act. Through the kindness of Hashem, however, I was saved from their hands.”

The Rebbe paused for a moment and then continued with great emotion, “Even if I were to thank Hashem every day of my life, morning and night, I will never be able to thank Him for enabling me to fulfill the mitzvah of lighting the Chanukah candles as required. Not only that, but I also survived despite the great danger that surrounded me at that time.”

This story was later shared by the Rebbe during a seudah shelishis on Shabbos Parashas Vayeitzei in 1983, offering a powerful testament to faith, resilience, and the miracles of Chanukah even in the darkest of times. It is a reminder of how even amidst unimaginable suffering, the light of mitzvos and the kindness of Hashem can provide hope and deliverance.

Originally Translated and Adapted from The Klausenberger Rebbe (Targum Press, 2012) by Judah Lifschitz

The Light of Chinuch: Lessons from Chanukah

How Chanukah Teaches Us the Power of Education and Inspiration

CBY RABBI BEREL WOLVOVSKY

hanukah is a time filled with so many powerful lessons. One of the roots of the word Chanukah is Chinuch, which means education. This connection reminds us that education is at the very foundation of who we are as a people, starting from the youngest ages and continuing throughout our lives.

This week, we had the honor of hosting Rabbi Yehoshua Soudakoff at The Gan. Rabbi Yehoshua is a deaf rabbi who works with the deaf Jewish community around the world. Based in Israel, he travels extensively, bringing Torah and inspiration to communities everywhere. During his visit, we also hosted a special class at Chabad for the deaf community of Greater Washington.

Rabbi Yehoshua engaged the children in such a meaningful way, teaching them sign language and showing them how to sign “Happy Chanukah.” The children were fascinated and respectful, inspired by his ability to make such a tremendous impact despite the challenges he has faced.

The story of Chanukah teaches us that even in the face of great obstacles, we have the power to bring light into the world. Just as the Maccabees rededicated the Temple and rekindled the menorah’s light, we too can rededicate ourselves to the values of Chinuch— to learning, teaching, and making an impact. May the lights of Chanukah inspire us to bring even more light into the world, one flame and one lesson at a time. Chag Sameach!