By COLlive reporter
Photos: Yarin Darshan of MagicPix
18 Chabad centers and communities joined together on Sunday to celebrate the largest-ever Chanukah event in Los Angeles.
Five city blocks along Pico Boulevard were closed off for the event, which took place at Schneerson Square, in front of the world’s largest, iconic replica of “770” to accommodate thousands of men, women, and children who united to celebrate the miracle of Chanukah.
The event, a project of the West Coast Chabad and the Labkowsky Family/Bais Nochum, commemorated the first Yahrtzeit of Morah Mira Labkowsky, a beloved Shlucha and teacher who passed away one year ago, with a new Torah that was started in her memory. Significantly, the writing of the new Torah began at the very home of the preschool that Morah Mira founded.
A children’s unity rally, featuring Torah, Tefillah and Tzedakah was highlighted by the recitation of the Rebbe’s Twelve Pesukim by children from participating communities.
The preschool children who were in Morah Mirah’s class last year, prior to her untimely passing, were honored with lighting the Shmamash candle. The children, along with thousands of attendees, pledged to continue Morah Mirah’s legacy of warmth, kindness, and her tireless commitment to igniting the light and fire of yiddishkeit in the heart of every Jewish child.
Rabbi Boruch Shlomo Cunin, Director of West Coast Chabad-Lubavitch, and Rabbi Chaim Nochum Cunin, were joined by Los Angeles Councilmember Paul Koretz for the grand lighting of the Menorah, dedicated in loving memory of Rabbi Tzemach Yehoshua Cunin, Shliach of The Rebbe and Director of Chabad of Century City.
Rabbi Boruch Shlomo Cunin, Rabbi Yosef Shusterman, and Councilmember Paul Koretz addressed the crowd. The event was emceed by Rabbi Sendy Labkowsky and Rabbi Mendy Mentz, and was coordinated and produced by Mrs. Simcha Siev of Lark Los Angeles and Yossi Burston of YB Productions.
Throughout the day, participants enjoyed carnival rides, game booths, a petting zoo, and Kosher concession stands.
Following the lighting of the Menorah, a live concert featured electrifying performances by Gad Elbaz, Zusha Band, Duvy Burston, Simply Tsfat, and Comedian Elon Gold.
Participating organizations include Congregation Levi Yitzchak/Chabad of Hancock Park, Chabad Bais Bezalel, Chabad of Beverlywood, Chabad of North Beverly Hills, Chabad of Brentwood, Chabad of Century City, Chabad House Publications, Chabad Israel Center, Chabad of Larchmont, Chabad of Malibu, Chabad North of Montana, Chabad of Pacific Palisades, Chabad Persian Youth, Chabad of SOLA, Chabad of The Hills, Ohel Avraham, and Zlata’s Little Lights.
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What an amazing event you guys made Labkowsky family to honor your mother!!! I’m sure she’s very proud of you!!! May her Neshoma have an Aliyah!!!
The Labkowsky family arranged and pulled off this amazing event. Huge Yasher Koach to Rabbi Laizer and Rabbi Zalmy Labkowsky for making this happen. Your mother was truly honored and remembered.
May this be the start of many more huge projects and events by the Labkowsky family and Bais Nochum.
Exceptional job Labkowsky family!! What a Kiddush HaShem and beautiful homage to your dear mother. All of us are incredibly proud of you for orchestrating such a tremendously exceptional event.
Absolutely beautiful Labkowsky’s you made your mother proud !
What an incredibly special event thanks to the Labkowsky family. The warmth and unity there was a beautiful way to honor your mother, our beloved Morah Mira.
What an amazing thing you did in honor of your beloved mother.
Your mother was a queen, an example, a wonderful shlucha, and that’s exactly what the hundreds of people felt that night!
May you have only brochos, success, and Simcha from now on!
You did an incredible job! Well done!
What a Beautiful tribute for such a special person! great job labkowsky family!!!!!!!
It was all them!!!
Such an incredible job!!!!!
Only simchas!
She was so special, her influence is huge. What a beautiful and joyful tribute.
Wow!!!! What an incredible Peula for Mira!!! She is for sure shining above!!! A beautiful Tribute to a very special Shlucha that we miss so much! Dearest Labkowskys, Please keep doing things like this! May we be reunited with Mira and Mendel speedily!!!
Los Angeles but looks like you had a blast and that’s the most important thing good job