by Chani Vogel
The 6th annual Chanukah Menorah lighting of Liberty, NY commenced in a beautiful way. Rabbi Yossi and Esther Hurwitz, Chabad Shluchim to Swan Lake were hard at work to make the menorah lighting happen as soon as their last large event, Simchas Bais Hashoevah was over. Shoprite of Liberty, NY looks forward to the events hosted by Chabad, and Rabbi Hurwitz gets a warm welcome today.
What started with Friday as mivtzoim in Shoprite, had desired results of having a record breaking crowd. Around 500 people came to the event. The diversity of the Jewish population spanned from those who are completely not affiliated, to the ultra Chasidish. It was really a Sheves Achim Gam Yachad.
Cantor Aryeh Leib Hurwitz and Singer Shmully Hurwitz led the crowd in a beautiful rendition of Haneiros Halalu and Maoz Tzur. They continued to entertain and sing throughout the event, while musician Daniel Springer played the keyboard. The lively dancing, and and the joyous spirit were felt throughout the night.
The police presence was very strong. 3 different departments sent their officers to ensure the safety of the event. Chief of police Scott Kenny of Liberty PD came with a crew of officers. Sheriff Mike Schiff of Sullivan county PD came with his officers. The state police who heard that THE public Menorah lighting of the mountains will take place in Liberty, came as well. The officers not only did their job in a friendly manner, at one point, some of them also joined in the dancing.
Chanukah donuts, latkes, and light up toys were given out, and Shneur Goldin entertained the crowd with his performance. The little kinderlach watched with wide-eyed wonder, as he juggled and spun fire again and again.
What was interesting to note was the next day a reporter from “Times Herald Record” called Rabbi Hurwitz, and asked him how it was possible that at the same time as there was a terror attack in Monsey NY, there was also a grand menorah lighting with such a huge crowd in the open. Rabbi Hurwitz’s response was that “The answer to darkness of an attack is to bring more light into the world.” The conversation continued with the reporter asking about the police presence. The Liberty Police, the Sheriff of Sullivan County,and the state police with all their officers’ who were all present at the event, ensuring that the crowd was safe, and felt secure.
Rabbi Yossi and Esther Hurwitz would like to thank Rabbi Bentzion Chanowitz of Chabad of Monticello who was also present, and participated in the event.
They also thanked Rabbi Moshe and his son Chayim Vogel for their great help in the event.
A real kiddush hashem!
Reach him here -> fb.com/imdanielspringer
The annual Menorah lighting of the catskill mountains .
For the last three years, we come from Monticello to the Menorah lighting, we’re a big family with children & grand children, we belong to young israel. we are very happy to be there, the children are so excited.
This year we wanted to stay in staten island but the grand children made us come up to be at the lighting festival.
Chabad is doing a fantastic job, keep up the great work.
wow 500 Jews that is amazing the main thing is you all had a blast and that is important good job