Rabbi Levi Shemtov proclaims an Orthodox faith, with its ancient and cherished traditions, in a secular society, with its fleeting trends. That paradox will be illuminated on Sunday, Dec. 13, when Shemtov oversees the celebration of Hanukkah on the Ellipse and the lighting of the national menorah (www.nationalmenorah.org). The 41-year-old is the executive vice president of American Friends of Lubavitch, serving a growing movement within Hasidic Judaism. He shared with The Examiner by e-mail the source of his beliefs, and thoughts on his faith’s continuation.

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