Chanukah in Downtown Brooklyn is always very special, say the local seniors. One of the main reasons for that is the Grand Menorah that Rabbi Aaron L. Raskin places in front of the Brooklyn Supreme Court in memory of his late grandfather Rabbi JJ Hecht.
During the 8 day’s of Chanukah Rabbi Aaron L. Raskin and his family gather by the large Menorah for a lighting ceremony. Rabbi Raskin chooses one person to light the menorah with him and the crowd comes to enjoy hot latkes, prizes for children, menorahs, chocolates, and music given out by the Chabad crew. People coming out of the subways, tourists, locals and children gather around the grand menorah and all are in awe of the beauty and grace of the Chanukah lights as Rabbi Raskin recites the blessings and Torah messages through his microphone.
VIDEO:
This year the second night of Chanukah was extraordinary. Families who attend the Gan Menachem Kiddie Korner Preschool and Brooklyn Heights Jewish Academy (BHJA) joined the crowd. Eric Gonzales, Brooklyn District Attorney, Lit the Menorah with Rabbi Raskin and right after everyone headed to Borough Hall for a Chanukah celebration funded by Chabad Lubavitch of Brooklyn Heights.
Kiddie Korner children gave a short performance which was then followed by the BHJA choir. BHJA choir was outstanding and received a standing ovation from the crowd. Chanukah felt warmer and more precious than ever in the beautiful courtroom the kids choir sang in.
“It was a very monumental moment to see our children perform in such a room filled with energy from the past combined with the hope of the future,” said Rebbetzin Shternie Raskin.
Everyone followed to the lower level for free donuts, orange juice, coffee, and gifts for all the children. Although BHJA is still in the process of building itself it has offered many extracurricular classes this year and families have been extremely happy. There seems to be much growth and parental support among the BHJA families who are eager to see the growth of the school. As of now, the school offers kindergarten till 4th grade.
“We love seeing our children strive in such a loving and supportive environment,” said Chaya Rosenstein, one of the parents who run the school PTA.
For the Last night of Chanukah, Chabad Lubavitch of Brooklyn Heights invited the fire department to join them under the pouring rain to shower the crowd with chocolate coins and menorah and dreidel parachutes. As Rabbi Raskin counted to ten, hundreds of chocolate coins and parachutes were released under the Chanukah lights of the giant Menorah. The music led everyone in dancing and the mission of spreading light even on the last rainy night of Chanukah was achieved.
To find out more about the CBH events visit their website- www.heightschabad.org and to schedule a tour for BHJA please visit www.bhja.org.
My granddaughter Aurellia is a first grade student in the school and is learning so beautifully! From Parsha to Kriah to the ABC’s of reading fluently – BHJA is a terrific place for our kinderlach to learn and grow in their Yiddishkiet.
With tremendous Hakaras HaTov,
Bubby Adelstein
wow the main thing is you all had a nice time and that is important