When a Jewish soul leaves this world, our tradition teaches that its light does not disappear; it is entrusted to us to continue. For those who met Staff Sgt. Rose Lubin HY”D, that light was unmistakable: courageous, joyful, deeply committed to Am Yisrael, and filled with a quiet, dignified strength.
Earlier this year, we published Rose's story on our site, a story of a young American police officer who made Aliyah, joined the Israel Border Police, and ultimately gave her life al kiddush Hashem. The response from our community was overwhelming. People wanted to do something. They wanted to honor her. They wanted to amplify the light she radiated.
Today, SoulLinks is launching a project that allows us to do exactly that.
Why “Spreading Light”?
Chassidus teaches that light is the ultimate force of transformation. Darkness cannot be fought with sticks or shovels; it retreats automatically when even the smallest flame is lit. The Lubavitcher Rebbe frequently emphasized this principle, repeating the well-known truth:
“A little bit of light dispels a great deal of darkness.”
(Igros Kodesh, Vol. 8)
Shabbos candles embody this teaching in the most literal and spiritual sense. They illuminate the home physically and spiritually. They bring warmth, peace, and blessings. And they remind every Jewish woman and girl of the unique power she carries to bring light into the world.
This mitzvah—pure light, feminine sanctity, and Jewish continuity—that felt most fitting to honor the life of a young woman who represented courage, holiness, and Jewish pride.
Rose served as a protector. She ran toward danger to protect Jewish lives.
Shabbos candles represent the opposite energy, but the same mission: bringing peace, safety, and holiness into Jewish homes.
In Kabbalah, the Friday-night candles are described as “or shel shalom”, the light of peace.
That is what Rose stood for.
That is what she brought into the world.
And that is what we hope to spread in her memory.
Our campaign, “Spread Rose’s Light,” will distribute 20,000 Shabbos candle kits to:
Jewish police officers and military servicemembers
College students and young professionals
Women in isolated or underserved communities
Chaplains across the U.S. Armed Forces
Schools and outreach groups that can give them out on Mivtzoyim (weekly outreach)
Each candle box carries Rose’s name with dignity and respect, along with a message that her light continues through each flame lit in her honor.
Producing and distributing 20,000 candle sets is a significant undertaking.
To join us in spreading Rose’s light, you can support the campaign here:
Every contribution helps us reach more homes, more bases, more campuses, and more hearts.
If you, your school, your agency, or your community would like to receive Shabbos candle boxes to distribute, we would be honored to send them.
📩 Email us at [email protected]
or
📞 Text 718-753-3225
Let’s bring more light into the world.
Let’s honor Rose’s life in the most meaningful way.
Let’s spread her light—together.