Dear Friend,


As you may have heard, this past Thursday, January 15, my family was suddenly struck with a personal tragedy: A fire broke out in my maternal grandparents' home in Brooklyn, NY. My grandmother, who was unable to walk unassisted, was lying in a hospital style bed when the fire began. Her room was rapidly engulfed in flames and try as they did my grandfather and a cousin who were in the house at the time were unable to get past the thick acrid smoke to assist her. By the time the local Fire Department arrived it was already too late. She was laid to rest on the following day, Erev Shabbat Kodesh.

As you can well imagine, her untimely passing, and specifically the horrifically tragic circumstances surrounding her death have been the cause of intense personal pain and grief. As a Chassid and Torah Jew I have been able to steel myself with the bedrock of faith and trust that Hashem knows and does what is best for each of us.

While this idea is squarely in the realm of "blind faith," barring us from looking for ways to understand the mysteries of G‑d's ways, the Torah does nonetheless encourage us to endeavor to discover the silver lining that invariably accompanies any black clouds of loss, gloom or sadness. It is we whom G‑d charges with the sacred mission of finding a way to turn pain and tears into positive growth and development. Reflecting upon this I thought of the following: This horrible manifestation of fire that has caused my family and I, so much pain, destruction and sadness ought to be countered by a positive manifestation of fire and constructive energy that can bring peace, light and joy.

And then the obvious struck me; Shabbat candles! My Bubby scrupulously observed this mitzvah every Friday evening. Having been blessed with 9 children she would welcome the Shabbat with 11 lights each week. This kindling of positive fire has for time immemorial traditionally brought solace, peace and serenity to Jewish families in the most trying of times.

And so I thought, if I could somehow inspire more people to make a sincere effort to light Shabbat candles-a mitzvah that is particularly important for women-as a direct result of my Bubby's tragic passing, it would be a source of great solace not only to me, but to my Ziedy, my mother and the entire family. And of course it would be of great benefit to my Bubby's neshamah , may she rest in peace.

In my minds eye it now almost seems retrospectively obvious. Shabbat candles fit the bill perfectly: Last Friday, for the first time in nearly sixty years my Bubby's lights were absent. Perhaps this Friday new lights can be lit to replace them.

My suggestion/request, therefore, is as follows:

1) If you have never lit Shabbat candles or if you don't light every week:
a) Perhaps you would be open to begin lighting regularly in my grandmother's honor?
b) Or to set aside one Friday a month to be home early to light?
c) Or even to light once in her honor?

2) If you are already a regular:
a) Perhaps you have a daughter or granddaughter who is over three who does not yet light her own candle? It is a mitzvah for children to light, too, particularly in our troubled times.
b) Is there a relative or neighbor or friend with whom you might share the beauty of this mitzvah? I.e., invite them to light with you even once, or introduce them to its weekly basis.
c) If the relative, etc., is already a regular, does their daughter light?
3) If you are a man, do not underestimate your scope of influence - men count too! (Other mitzvot in Bubby's honor will also be accepted.)

The correct time for lighting the candles is before sunset. Times can be found in the most Jewish calendars or at our website, I will be happy to forward you an instruction page.

Your assistance will be very meaningful to me. I would very much appreciate if you might be so kind as to notify me via email or phone as to the nature of your pledge, and if possible with your and your mother's Hebrew name (and, if different, the names of those actually lighting). As my beloved Bubby lived for eighty-one years, my initial goal is to tally eighty-one Shabbat candles being lit in her honor.

Her name was Rebbitzen Leeba Bat (daughter of) Rabbi Boruch. Please keep it in mind when lighting.

In anticipation of your kindest consideration, I extend heartfelt appreciation and prayers in exchange for your participation. May Hashem bless us all with nothing but peace, happiness and goodness, and may we merit to share many good times and Simachot together. May the additional Shabbat lights kindled help usher in the light of Moshiach, speedily in our days.


Most Sincerely,


Rabbi Mendel Kaplan


My deepest thanks and appreciation are extended to all of those who have taken the time to express their condolences and sentiments of comfort and mutual sorrow to me during the last few days. Your care and compassion has touched me in a way that words cannot describe. May you be blessed with nothing but happiness and Nachas for many long and happy years.