Lamplighters Jewish Academy was established in 2014. On the first Chanukah of its inception, the students launched Project Flame, a campaign to spread light and warmth during the holiday. Over the years, the students have inspired thousands of people from all walks of life to add in goodness and kindness during Chanukah. Just as we add a new candle each night of Chanukah, the students encourage others to increase in Mitzvot.

True to their name and their mission, the Lamplighter students are always eager to light the “lamps” of others. Each night of Chanukah, they attend parties, concerts and festivals throughout Los Angeles, S. Barbara and Ventura Counties. They approach guests and invite them to pledge to add a Mitzvah by choosing a suggested pledge from their menu, or by thinking of one of their own. After choosing a Mitzvah, the participant sign their name on the Project Flame Menorah that bears the signature of thousands of others who joined the efforts to spread light.

After making their resolutions, participants receive a bright orange sticker, representing the Mitzvah they pledged. By wearing the badge proudly, they inspire others to reflect on their own growth.

On the Chanukah of 2020 the COVID 19 pandemic prevented everyone from hosting and attending in-person Chanukah events. Yet our students would not take “no” for an answer. They urged us to find a way for them to spread the light even further, taking the campaign virtual.

It is our hope that the pure efforts of young children generating goodness and kindness will end the spread of disease and disunity and replace it with a spread of purity and holiness. Any moment now we await the Redemption, bringing us to a time of peace, love, health, and goodness everywhere.