Episode 3: The Schmooze – Hanukkah Special with Rabbi Menachem Matusof of Chabad Lubavitch of Alberta

37 years ago a young rabbi from Casablanca by way of PalmSprings landed in post-Olympic Calgary with his wife and a crazy dream: build the future of Jewish life in Alberta. Today, Chabad is the beating heart of our community, touching lives across every affiliation (and even those with none at all).In this warm, funny, and deeply moving conversation, Rabbi Matusof pulls back the curtain on:Why he jokingly tells people “Shabbat services are boring — come during the week instead” How Chabad exploded from one couple to 16rabbis/rabbanits and 50+ staff while staying 100% donor-funded and membership-freeThe real story behind the mayor drama of the last two years and why he chose light over grudgeThe breathtaking growth on the new Chabad campus (150–200kids in camp, 80 women showing up for Kabbalah class, teens in limos visiting sukkahs, and yes… the espresso is still flowing)Why Hanukkah’s message has never felt more urgent: “A little bit of light pushes away a lot of darkness”Plus: Don raves about Douglas Century’s new WWII rescuethriller “Crash of the Heavens” (hint: we’re booking Doug for a future episode).And of course — your personal invitation to Calgary’s biggest,warmest, most joyful Jewish night of the year:Monday, December 15th – 5:30 PMCalgary City Hall Atrium37th Annual Community Menorah LightingLive music, school choirs, magic show, hot soup, latkes, dreidels, raffles & thousands of us celebrating light together.Bring your family, bring your friends, bring your light.Details & donations: menorah.caThis episode will leave you proud, inspired, and ready to show up Monday night with a full heart.Chag Chanukah Sameach from Don, Jared, and the entire Schmooze family