This Chanukah season, Chabad of Brooklyn Heights successfully executed an ambitious and wide-ranging series of public celebrations titled “Chanukah Across Downtown Brooklyn.”
This initiative was designed to illuminate thousands of people in the area, bringing the light, music, and profound community spirit of Chanukah to parks, streets, and iconic landmarks throughout the heart of Brooklyn.
A significant highlight of the week, drawing more than 1800 people from across the borough, was a spectacular Chanukah concert held at the historic Borough Hall on Monday night, corresponding to the second night of Chanukah.
The event took place in front of the 30-foot-tall “Rabbi Jacob J Hecht Official Brooklyn Menorah” in front of Brooklyn’s borough hall and the Brooklyn Supreme Court. Even though the temperature was freezing, throngs still came out to this magnificent concert. The event was a vibrant celebration of the holiday, featuring a powerful message and warm greetings from Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzales, who spoke about his efforts to combat anti-Semitism and underscored the concert’s communal importance. The program showcased outstanding Jewish music artists, including the beloved, soulful sounds of Zusha and the innovative, high-energy performance of Kosha Dillz. Their combined artistry created an unforgettable evening of music and light, truly embodying the spirit of Chanukah for all who attended. The concert was dedicated to the communities, survivors, and friends of the Bondi Beach massacre in Sydney, Australia. Local supporters and a Grant from the UJA subsidized the concert.
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Under the visionary leadership of Rabbi Aaron Raskin and Shternie Raskin, Community programs were meticulously organized and coordinated by Rabbi Yankel Raskin and Yael Raskin. Their efforts created a tapestry of events designed to engage residents of all ages and backgrounds, ensuring everyone could connect with the warmth and message of the Festival of Lights. Rabbi Yehoshua Raskin was instrumental in managing the logistics, personally organizing and overseeing the execution of each of these significant public lightings.
The cornerstone of the celebration was a series of prominent public Menorah Lightings held across numerous vibrant neighborhoods: Brooklyn Heights, Downtown Brooklyn, Cobble Hill, Columbia Waterfront, and Red Hook. These nightly ceremonies served as beacons of light and unity, drawing large crowds, featuring traditional Chanukah songs, hot latkes and donuts, and inspiring words on the holiday’s significance.
Public menorah lightings were held in multiple prominent locations, transforming shared civic spaces into centers of celebration and reflection:
The Ari Halberstam Memorial Menorah on the Brooklyn Bridge serves as a powerful symbol of remembrance, resilience, and Jewish continuity. This is done in collaboration with Rabbi Rap of Chabad Air.
Cadman Plaza Park, one of Downtown Brooklyn’s most central public gathering places
Brooklyn Promenade, the famous boardwalk overlooking the Manhattan skyline
Cobble Hill Park, a Popular neighborhood Park in Cobble Hill
Coffey Park in Red Hook, with a special appearance by Senator Gounardes at this important civil and communal center.
Each event hosts family-friendly celebrations with music and refreshments, and a lighting of the menorah.
In addition, a menorah lighting on Montague Street was led by Rabbi Eliyahu & Shaindy Raskin, further extending the Chanukah presence throughout the neighborhood.
The Atlantic Avenue Community Celebration.
A special Atlantic Avenue Chanukah party, held in partnership with Rabbi Zalman and Rebbetzin Korf, brought holiday spirit directly to one of Brooklyn’s busiest commercial corridors, engaging local businesses, residents, and passersby.
Additional programming included: Kiddie Korner’s Glow-in-the-Dark Chanukah party for youth, a Young Jewish Professionals (YJP) event, Neighborhood gatherings, B’nai Avraham Sisterhood Comedy night Chanukah party with Gianmarco Stores, Participation in the Brooklyn Nets Jewish Heritage Night, bringing Chanukah celebrations to the Barclays Center, and a community comedy and musical performance on Sunday night.
Rabbi Raskins’ Chanukah Video Shorts on YouTube, Tik Tok and instagram as well as other platforms reached over 4 million people, a real Pirsumei Nisah!
From the Brooklyn Bridge to Atlantic Avenue, Chanukah Across Downtown Brooklyn showcased the power of public celebration, unity, and light. Organizers emphasized that the events were designed not only to celebrate the holiday but also to strengthen community bonds and proudly share the Chanukah message throughout the borough.
