A Banner of Light: Spreading Shabbat Across the Skies

Beachgoers in Hollywood, Florida, were surprised to see a plane flying an unexpected message:

“Lite Shabbat Candles 2nite @ 5:55pm ♥ Chabad Ocean.”

The idea originated at a farbrengen hosted by Rabbi Leibel and Sheina Kudan of Chabad of Ocean Drive. Discussing Shtus D’kedusha—“Holy Folly,” or serving G-d beyond logic—someone suggested using banner planes, usually reserved for ads, to spread a Jewish message.

A congregant eagerly sponsored the idea, and soon, the Shabbat candle-lighting reminder took to the skies.

The response was overwhelming. Rabbi Kudan’s phone has been buzzing with messages of excitement—some even sharing that they’ve started lighting Shabbat candles because of it. The impact? Far greater than they ever imagined.