This year F.R.E.E. of Brighton Beach celebrated Chanukah in grand style! On Sunday, December 25, the 6th light of Chanukah, guests attended a gala event in the main shul on Brighton 6th which was transformed to an upscale party with winter wonderland décor.
The evening began with a Menorah lighting led by Rabbi Hershel Okonov, who started F.R.E.E. in 1968 on the directives of the Rebbe. Rabbi Okonov, the Shliach of Brighton Beach, thanked the Russian community for all their support in fulfilling the Rebbe’s mission. Rabbi Dovid Okonov, also a shliach, then inspired the crowd to take a lesson from the candles of Chanukah and to keep increasing every day in acts of goodness.
An extravagant buffet dinner, sushi bar and open bar were supplied all evening long. An exciting Dreidel game was led by Rabbi Avremel Okonov, executive director of Mazel Day School of F.R.E.E., with the winners of individual tables playing against each other for the grand prize.
Jewish music was provided by the acclaimed DJ Versace, once a student in F.R.E.E.’s Yeshivah, who was very happy to be able to give back to his community. Guests were also treated to a surprise performance by one of the attendees – Michael Botsman, a famous Russian singer. The charged atmosphere led to dancing all night long!
The children in attendance were treated to an exciting and packed children’s program all about Chanukah.
Everyone had a wonderful time at the festive event, celebrating the Jewish holiday of light.
“This was literally the best Chanukah party ever!” said Valerie T., a guest.
On Monday afternoon, Boris Talis, a Russian radio personality and long time friend of F.R.E.E. of Brighton, spoke on the radio, how inspired he was by the unique party and what an impression Rabbi Hershel Okonov has made on him.
Photos: Alex Gorokhov-www.GlattPhotography.com
He means the bochur mendel
http://glattphotography.smugmug.com/Other/FREE-Chanukah-Party/20754437_JGLVtL#1647141839_mCGVBGC
Picture # 6 This is Rabbi Mendel Okonov with a DJ – his student.
Love all the pks. Great Job mr. Alex Gorohov
Happy to see Rabbi Mendel Okonov on the pks.
Wish You the best.
Why is there no picture from mendel okonov ?? He brought the all freilichkeit to the event (with the other baltimore bochurim)… Mendy t.
thanks to the awsome bochrim of baltimore who were a tremendous help,helping out with the kids program!!
they did on the 1st day of chanukah
why dont you post pix of the Massive Menorah you light every year in the heart of Brighton?
a Brooklyn Shliach
The okunovs really work hard to do the Rebbes work. I know it firsthand.
A Brooklyn Shliach
Bravo Okonovs!!!
What better could be?
Chanukah in Moscow, Chanukah in Kiev, Chanukah in BRIGHTON and Dnepropetrovsk, Chanukah in China, Chanukah in Chili, Chanukah in Africa and Madagascar.
All You shluchim Rebe, All You guys incredible, working days and nights to bring MOSHIACH NOW.
Based on the pics ..looks like an awesome party. Alex was able to capture the spirit and the essence of the party.
I would love to take some photo master classes from him to learn his lighting and arrangement techniques. Thank you so much from bringing all events to life for all of us around the world.
CH resident!
Keep on rocking! Love you and ur munchkins!
The rebbe sent rabbi okonov to a place were only rabbi okonov can handle may g-d bless u with the health and power to do the rebbes work .. A true friend of the okonov family and free of brighton beach