[COMMUNICATED]

Tonight, huddles of talmidim will stand in the biting December cold, peering over each other’s shoulders to get a glimpse of the Rosh Yeshiva lighting his menorah. Such is the case with all of the biggest rabbanim of Israel. Some have small gatherings, others large crowds, watching on to answer ‘Amen’ to his bracha and observe his customs. Though the traditions of the rabbis of klal yisroel vary, there is one custom which nearly every one of the biggest talmidei chachamim has participated in for many years: Donating tzedaka to the organization Vaad HaRabbanim.
This Chanukah, twenty of the world’s most esteemed rabbanim will pray, by name, for donors to the Vaad’s Chanukah fund, during the time of lighting. The list includes Rav Chaim Kanievsky, Rav Gershon Edelstein, Rav Yitzchok Zilberstein, The Belzer Rebbe, The Vizhnitzer Rebbe, and many more.
Prayers will also be held for donors every day of Chanukah at four holy sites in Israel: The Kosel, Meron, Amukah, and the kever of R’ Yehuda bar Ilai.
As a year full of surprises & change draws to a close, most will enter the warm familiar embrace of Chanukah. Illuminated by the glow of the menorah, we will be cozy at home, eating delicious dinners. The Jewish community’s leaders know, however, that many will not be so fortunate. This year, as poverty and unemployment sweep the world, there is a staggering number of poor Jewish families asking for tzedaka. Many of these families will not have working heaters, or access to enough food. It is a crisis. And so, on their behalf, the rabbanim are dedicating their prayer during some of the most precious moments of the year: Menorah lighting.
They ask that you dedicate just a few moments of your time, as well, to join them.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE GEDOLIM’S LIGHTING THIS YEAR
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL CAMPAIGN