Each of Unell’s menorahs are unique and crafted out of dominos — some menorahs are made out of more than 200 individual pieces. His show, “Light for Israel,” was held at his residence on Nov. 30, and many community members attended in support.
Within hours, Unell had sold 11 of his 18 handcrafted menorahs, raising more than $200. This money was generously matched by Unell’s grandmother, Barbara Karchin, and an honorary donation was made in memory of his great-grandmother, Eleanor Feitler (z”l), who was a Holocaust survivor. Due to this, Unell is able to send $1,000 to Israel.
Half of the proceeds for the show will go to the Civilian War Room, which has played an integral role in finding and recovering the Israeli hostages taken on Oct. 7, and the other half to Kibbutz Kfar Aza, where some of the most devastating humanitarian and structural damage was caused on that night.
“We are so grateful to everyone who has encouraged and acknowledged Noah through this project,” said Leah Unell, Noah’s mother. “The importance of tikkun olam is one the most important values we hope Noah takes with him on his life’s journey as a Jewish person.”
The remaining seven menorahs will be lent to The J for its menorah display reminding people of the remaining hostages during Hanukkah.
“Seeing Noah light up with every dollar raised, with every pat on the back for his hard work and dedication to making such beautiful and functional Judaica, has brought hope and joy to us all,” Leah Unell said.
Those wishing to support the causes Noah Unell has chosen can visit ahimlaneshek.org to learn more about the Civilian War Room (Google Translate can translate the website to English) and jgive.com/new/en/usd/donation-targets/110441 to help Kibbutz Kfar Aza.
