For the last five years Chabad of Swan Lake, NY has been celebrating a Big Menorah Lighting on Motzei Shabbos Chanukah, in Liberty, NY.
This year despite the snow and freezing cold weather, the crowds came out to celebrate as strong as ever, at least two hundred fifty people attended.
“This Menorah Lighting has become the public Jewish holiday event of the entire Catskills,” Rabbi Yosef Hurwitz said. “If you want to celebrate Chanukah in the mountains… Liberty is the place, and Motzei Shabbos Chanukah is the time.”
The program included live music, popular singers, entertainers, gifts, Chanukah gelt, Latkes, donuts, refreshments, and much more, especially for children.
The event has gained popularity thanks to the participation of the many elected officials who’ve attended Chabad’s Menorah Lighting over the years.
A very special thanks to all participants who came from all over the Catskills, including Swan Lake, Loch Sheldrake and more.
Video: Menorah lighting in the Catskills
Rabbi Hurwitz had much opposition in the beginning, they didn’t even let him have a menorah up on his own deck, Look how much he was poel, to have the Mayer light the menorah! Kol Hakavod
It is not everyday that a couple decide to become shluchim after their kids are all grown, and see such an incredible hatzlacha. Rabbi Yossi and Esther Hurwitz you are truly inspiring!! May Hashem grant you the Koach and funds to do many more peulos for a loooooong time!
A most Greatful Thanks the Sheluchim Yosef Yitzchok and Ester Horowitz I just happened to be at the Chanukah Party Menorah Lighting in Liberty New York Miracles of Miracles !! in a real freezing night , staying and shivering of the terrible cold weather ,who believed any one would show up miracles !! around three hundred Jews showed up , everybody enjoyed so many hot Latkes ,Donuts , and the blasting Music and the wold renowned Young Singer Shmuel Horowitz ( the Shliach’s son ) who made the entire place around 300 Yidden rowling with dancing , and jumping adults… Read more »
I have heard about the lighting in liberty by reputation but never went. This year I didn’t have a chance to celebrate at any parties as work has been so busy, so I pushed myself and my family to go to the lighting. Wow!! This made up for all 8 nights and More!!! Thank you for such an awesome experience.
For next year, it’s worth it to drive up 2 hours from NY JUST for this event!! Trust me
I had brought my family to the lighting thinking I’ll show my face and return home right away.
The event however was so nice we stayed till the end! And it was not a warm night. There must of been a few hundred ppl there. And I don’t know who these boys that came to dance were but they were so entertaining.
Great job all round.
From your neighbors upstate.
Every year i look forward to this event !
It makes my chanukah. Thanks to chabad of swan lake and liberty.
Go mendel Deutsch ! Your the best band out there !
Every year, we travel upstate for Chanukah to enjoy the beautiful mountains, ski, snow tubing etc. For the last few years we were delighted to join Chanukah Menorah lighting in Liberty, and it’s become a highlight of our Chanukah. The great entertainment, hot latkes and donuts and most of all the high Chassidishe energy is incredibe. Thank you Rabbi Hurwitz and family for putting this event together; I wish you many many more years of hatzlocha and strength in your peulos, and we look forward to joining next year.
– DA
WOW!! this looks like simchas beis hashoeva in Crown Heights!! What an amazing crowd coming out in the cold. you can tell it was warm and lebedik. Rabbi Hurwitz and his wife are such warm dedicated people. The Catskill mountains light up from them!!
From your Chasidim on Agudah Shul.
Great work !!! Nothing like Gezzha!!!!
FSN
We would also like to thank everyone who came from NY to hepled us with the Menorah event, Hatmim, Hachosson S.B. Diskin Munic, Chaim Loshak S. Barbra Ca. Mendel Woeunch CH, Reb Moshe & Chanie Vogel, Reb Avrom & Dini Arnold, The Benos Chabad, and of course Musician Mendel Deutch, Entertainer Shmulik Cypris who was fantastic, Photographer Shimi Kutner, Singer Shmuli Hurwitz who made it SO LEBEDIG.
Thank you very much I couldnt do it without you.
Chabad of Swan Lake
We woulds like to take this opportunity to thank all Anash who came out in the bitter cold with their children & toddlers to participate in the Menorah Lighting, especially the Inner Circle and Ever Green, also the Youngerman (Chein?) who gave all children a $2 dollar bill, so nice of you. Indeed you all made a big diffrence and gave us a lot of chizuk. Thank you very much.
Chabad of Swan L
I knew rabbi Yossi Horowitz already 30 years from the Diamond club on 47 street, he was always a doer, mind you he’s not a youngster any more, wow… to bring out such a crowd in Liberty , great job. bli neider I’ll come upstate next Chanukah, Shimon Zupnick.