Editing Mivtza Chanukah

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'''Mivtza Chanukah''' is a campaign established by the Rebbe to publicize the miracle of Chanukah and ensure that a menorah is lit in every home and public place. As part of this campaign that began in Chanukah 5728 (1967), Chabad Chassidim and Shluchim lit central Chanukah menorahs wherever Jews are found and encouraged Jews to light the Chanukah candles. The Rebbe also sent Chassidim to IDF soldiers, hospital patients, prisoners, and others to ensure everyone would fulfill the mitzvah of lighting.

== History ==

==== The Beginning at Assaf Harofeh ====
Following the Six-Day War, in Chanukah 5728 (1967), Chabad Chassidim led by Rabbi Shneur Zalman Segal initiated Mivtza Chanukah at Assaf Harofeh Hospital. The campaign was managed by Rabbi Segal, who collected funds from Kfar Chabad residents, and throughout the days of Chanukah, the Chassidim and Tmimim illuminated the hospital rooms with the light of Chanukah. Rabbi Segal wrote a detailed report to the Rebbe and received an encouraging response with additional instructions to coordinate with Tzeirei Chabad next time.

==== Mivtza Chanukah in the IDF ====
In 5733 (1972), an extensive Mivtza Chanukah was conducted among IDF soldiers. The campaign achieved great success and was publicized in the media.

==== Momentum for the Campaign ====
In 5734 (1973), the Rebbe launched a special momentum for Mivtza Chanukah. On Shabbat Parshat Vayeshev, he encouraged increased efforts to ensure that every Jewish home would light Chanukah candles. That year, the Rebbe distributed Chanukah gelt only to those who participated in Mivtza Chanukah and presented confirmation from Tzeirei Agudas Chabad. During that Chanukah farbrengen, he instructed those who participated in Mivtza Chanukah to say l'chaim. The Rebbe also sent Chanukah gelt to the Holy Land for those involved in Mivtza Chanukah.

That same year, he instructed as a temporary directive that girls should also light Chanukah candles.
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==== Success Beyond Expectation ====
In 5747 (1986), following the Seforim case, the Rebbe called for enhancing the campaign and instructed the publication of a book compiling photographs of campaign activities from all Shluchim worldwide. The Rebbe remarked that the success that year was "beyond expectation." As a result, the book "Vayehi Ohr" was published by Kehot.

== The Rebbe's Instructions ==
The Rebbe instructed to ensure that Chanukah candles be lit in every Jewish home, and when necessary, to provide them with a menorah. Even young children should light their own menorah. The Rebbe especially emphasized the need to reach patients, prisoners, elderly people, and particularly IDF soldiers.
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In cases where it is not possible for certain reasons to light a menorah with fire, the Rebbe instructed that at the very least an electronic menorah should be lit for pirsumei nisa (publicizing the miracle).

The Rebbe instructed to arrange children's gatherings, tell them the story of the miracle, and give them Chanukah gelt. He also encouraged children to give tzedakah during the days of Chanukah, to give Chanukah gelt to their friends, and to increase in Torah study during Chanukah.

As part of Mivtza Chanukah, the Rebbe instructed to light public menorahs without a bracha even on 'Zot Chanukah' (the eighth day), and certainly on the other days, at gatherings and assemblies in the presence of ten Jews, especially many children, along with the story of publicizing the miracle.

Another matter the Rebbe instructed was to arrange joyous farbrengens during the days of Chanukah, during which people would speak and tell of the miracles that Hashem performs.

== Public Menorah Lightings ==
'''Extended article - Public Menorah'''

The initiative for public menorah lighting was started by the Rebbe's shluchim (emissaries) as part of Mivtza Chanukah (Chanukah Campaign). While this lighting doesn't fulfill one's personal mitzvah obligation, it's done to publicize the Chanukah miracle to as many Jews as possible in the most effective way. Today, public menorahs have spread to every corner of the world, including prominent locations such as major city centers, Manhattan and its connecting bridges, the White House, near the Eiffel Tower, and more.

In the past, this initiative faced strong opposition from various Jewish groups in America, such as Reform Jews and similar movements. However, after a lengthy legal battle, Chabad chassidim achieved a decisive victory with the Rebbe's encouragement.

The Rebbe referred to the importance of public menorah lightings on several occasions, instructing that they be conducted "in the most central and public location possible." It should be emphasized that these public lightings don't fulfill one's personal obligation—everyone still needs to light at home. When non-Jews are present at these events, they should be encouraged to observe the Seven Noahide Laws.

== Parades and Vehicles ==
The tank parade during Chanukah 5753 (1992) with the slogan "Baruch Haba Melech HaMoshiach" (Welcome King Messiah)

Another initiative created to further publicize the Chanukah miracle is the use of electric menorahs, which many Chabad chassidim place on their vehicles during Chanukah.

Throughout the holiday, vehicle parades with menorahs are conducted in many cities across Eretz HaKodesh (the Holy Land) and the world to publicize the miracle. A central parade organized annually in Israel is the "Tank Parade" by "Chabad Mobile Units in the Holy Land," in which dozens of tanks and vehicles travel through central locations throughout Israel from north to south, publicizing the Chanukah miracle and the message of Geulah (redemption). In recent years, "Redemption Motorcycles" have also joined the parade.

== See Also ==

* Chanukah Gelt

== Further Reading ==

* Rabbi Yisrael Elfenbein, '''Mivtza Chanukah in the Largest Dimension''', in the 'Chayei Rebbi' section of Kfar Chabad magazine, issue 1936, page 32
* Rabbi Mordechai Menashe Laufer, '''Increasing and Adding Light''', in the 'Nitzutzei Rebbi' section, Hiskastrut magazine, issue 1479, page 12

== External Links ==

* '''The Rebbe Thanks a Shliach in a Special Letter for Activities in 'Mivtza Chanukah'''', on the 'Lachluchiys Geulatis' website
* Study group headed by Rabbi Michael Avishid, '''Mivtza Chanukah According to Halacha - Halachic Guide for Those Going on Mivtzaim'''
* '''The Rebbe to the Gathered Crowd: "Instead of Listening to Me, Go Out on Mivtzaim!"'''
* Rabbi Mordechai Menashe Laufer, '''"Mivtza Chanukah with Pleasure"''' from Hiskastrut magazine
* Shneur Zalman Berger, '''And They Lit Candles in the Courtyards of Sinai and the Golan''' - A review of Mivtza Chanukah 5734 (1973) during the Yom Kippur War, in Beis Moshiach magazine
* Rabbi Shneur Zalman Berger, Photography: Levi Yitzchak Freidin, '''"Chabadniks Hijacked a Plane for Mivtza Chanukah" - Article about Mivtza Chanukah 5733 (1972)''' - on the website, 28 Kislev 5766 (2005)
* '''Distributing Menorahs Specifically with a Brochure? Interesting Manuscript''', on the 'Lachluchiys Geulatis' website

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