Illuminating the City That Never Sleeps: Finding the Extraordinary in Everyday Interactions

Illuminating the City That Never Sleeps is authored by Rabbi Uriel Vigler, the only Rhodesian-born Chabad rabbi, and founding director of the Chabad Israel Center on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. In this deeply personal, inspiring, and often humorous collection, Rabbi Vigler invites readers into his life’s mission: finding the extraordinary within the ordinary, and the divine within the chaos of modern urban life.

With heart and authenticity, the book shares unforgettable stories of faith, struggle, and human connection—from strangers stopping for tefillin on the streets of New York, to unexpected encounters that spark moments of clarity and kindness. Set against the backdrop of Manhattan’s nonstop rhythm, these real-life anecdotes explore powerful themes: the challenges of shlichus, Jewish identity in the 21st century, navigating grief, parenting, spiritual resilience, and the soul of the city.