Welcome to small-batch, relationship-driven, inclusive Judaism.

Lamplighters

(pass it on)

What is Lamplighters?

Silhouette of a person lighting a streetlamp with a long pole.

Every soul is like a candle. It’s our job to kindle the flame.

-The Rebbe Rashab

Lamplighters is an online and in-person chavurah based in Alexandria, VA. We are devoted to cultivating Jewish knowledge, spirituality, wisdom and joy in ourselves for the sake of igniting it in others. All are welcome.

Once someone asked the Rebbe, “what is a Jew?”. The Rebbe answered, “A Jew is a lamplighter. We need someone dedicated and caring to go out of their way to light even those lamps that are hard to reach, so that they may fulfill their purpose and illuminate the paths and walkways. We, each of us, must be a lamplighter - illuminating the world, and helping others find their light”.

  • Hasidic Jewish man with glasses and beard, wearing a black hat, plays guitar while eating olives. He is seated outside, with a large pile of olives in front of him, near the Western Wall in Jerusalem.

    Vitamin J Cafe

    Wednesdays at 12pm ET on Zoom

    We wrestle with everything from Torah to current events to olive consumption, while exploring the richness and challenges of being Jewish in a modern world.

    +Included in Lamplighters membership

  • A woman sits cross-legged with her back facing the viewer, surrounded by a colorful mosaic pattern forming a radiant sunburst design. Her hands are raised in gratitude in front of her.

    Meditation Minyan

    Mondays at 7:30am ET and 9:30am ET on Zoom

    20-30 minutes of morning prayer and Hashkata meditation to start your week off the right way.

    +Included in Lamplighters membership

  • Stone archway leading to a courtyard with a tree and stone walls in an old architectural setting.

    1:1 Sessions

    By Appointment Zoom or In-Person

    Schedule a 45-minute private consultation with Rabbi Robbie. One per member per month.

    +Included in Lamplighters membership

  • Shabbat table setting with wine bottle, silver chalice, lit candles, challah bread, and embroidered cover.

    Monthly Shabbat

    Friday or Saturday, In-Person

    Once a month we gather in-person for Shabbat and a potluck one or lunch at the home of a Lamplighter, in a local park, or a shared space.

    +included in Lamplighters membership

Membership

* Members of Har Shalom receive free membership in Lamplighters

Terumah means contribution.

Gd said to Moses: “Tell the Israelites to take for Me a contribution (terumah). You are to receive the contribution for Me from everyone whose heart prompts them to give” (Ex. 25:2).

Torah tells us that only each person, contributing the best of themselves, enables the mishkan (the sacred dwelling place) to be built. So it is with Lamplighters.

Included in your membership are all the programs listed above plus a 20% discount off of special programming (such as future classes in Judaism 101 or The Torah of Leonard Cohen), and outings (such as Jewish Archery).

All are welcome, no matter your financial capacity. Please practice generosity and solidarity: choose the highest contribution you can afford, as it greatly supports others.

3% Cover the Fee

**If financial terumah is prohibitive for you right now or if you are a member of Har Shalom, please email Rabbi Robbie directly to receive a membership without payment.