Kingston, Jamaica — December 21, 2025. On the sacred lawns of King’s House, Chabad of Jamaica presented an unforgettable One Light One Love: Evening of Light, Music & Giving, a concert and humanitarian celebration that closed the 8th Night of Chanukah and symbolically ushered Jamaica and the world from 2025 into 2026 with gratitude, hope, and renewed commitment to humanity.
More than a concert, the evening was a living expression of unity—where faith, music, service, and compassion converged. In his moving address, Rabbi Yaakov Raskin reminded the audience of the universal call to shared responsibility, declaring:
“This gathering is called One Love, One Light — because light belongs to all of us. Hope belongs to all of us. And responsibility for one another belongs to all of us.”
The significance of the evening was amplified by its timing. As the final flame of Chanukah was kindled, the moment served as a spiritual threshold—closing the year with thanksgiving and opening the path to continued blessings in 2026. In a deeply personal reflection, Rabbi Raskin honored Mushkee, his wife for her tireless devotion, stating:
“Through exhaustion, uncertainty, and heartbreak, she has led with compassion and strength.”
His words resonated across the lawns, grounding the celebration in humility, love, and lived service.
Music as Ministry, Art as Light
Internationally acclaimed, platinum-selling Israeli recording artist Alex Clare delivered a powerful and soul-stirring performance that transcended borders and belief systems. His artistry set a global tone of reflection and upliftment. Jamaica’s own Ozarii and Young Ras ignited the stage with commanding performances that left indelible “forget-me-not” impressions on the hearts of an appreciative audience—affirming local excellence within a global gathering.
From Celebration to Action: Light in Motion
Chabad of Jamaica’s impact extended far beyond the stage. Through its ARK Initiative — Acts of Routine Kindness, the organization has been instrumental in feeding and clothing Jamaicans, distributing non-perishable food items, personal care supplies, tarpaulins, generators, and select Starlink systems to community leaders—ensuring critical communication links during times of crisis. Rabbi Raskin provided an ARK shaped savings banks to be filled and passed on to someone in need, furthering the acts of kindness.
In the days surrounding the concert, a dedicated caravan of five vehicles journeyed into communities including Negril, Brighton, Petersfield, Bluefields, and Whitehouse. Fishing villages in Bluefields and Negril received special gifts for children, along with TAK Waterman UV-protective shirts for fisherfolk. Coordinating the outreach were Jesse Lehman who included Temple of Inner Peace, Wabba Clayton from Blue Hole Mineral Spring and team, Jill & James McKenzie-Burr and other community partners—each embodying the evening’s call to transform values into action.
As Rabbi Raskin affirmed in closing,
“Light does not wait for permission… One small flame can push back a great deal of darkness.” Participants demonstrated this by lighting candles with the guidance of Mushkee. Shalom. (Peace)
IG Concert Video: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTJfYsljVC9/?igsh=eGc3cmxoMmlnNmhz
Contact:
Sharon Parris-Chambers
Publisher
Caribnewsroom Media
caribnewsroom.com
876-275-3169
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