Darchai Yeshiva Gathers for Menorah Lighting Despite Snowstorm

Photos: Aharon Gelis

Despite frigid temps and a blizzard, Darchai Menachem kept their annual Chanukah Menorah lighting event on, and students, staff, parents, and friends celebrated the last night of Chanukah together at a Menorah Lighting Ceremony.

Organized by the Darchai Menachem PTA, the event publicized the Chanukah miracle while strengthening the sense of community and pride in Darchai Menachem.

“We were still unsure, the morning of the event, if we should go ahead with it,” said Rivky Perl, Darchai PTA co-director. “Schools were canceled, and cars were stuck in the snow,” she said.

“Then my husband reminded me of the story about the Rebbe who told his chossid that if even one person shows up to your event, you must continue with the event. Knowing that we may not get our usual crowd, my co-director Tzini Brand and I continued with the plans,” Perl says. “And in the end, the crowd was impressive! We want to thank all our sponsors and student body for showing up with their continuous support.”

A sixteen-foot tall Menorah, hand-built by Darchai Mesivta students, stood prominently in front of the building and a beautiful, building-sized dreidel made of lights added to the Chanukah spirit.

After Rabbi Eyal Bension, Darchai Menachem Principal, inspired the crowd with words of Torah, Assistant Principal Rabbi Aharon Simon led students in an enthusiastic recital of the 12 Pesukim.

The highlight was the lighting of the large Menorah, and Rabbi Heppenheimer and his son were honored with the lighting followed by a beautiful rendition of “HaNeros Hallalu” by Darchai students.

Students enjoyed donuts, hot cocoa, Chanukah gelt, and joyous dancing and music by DJ Yossi Blokh.

Sponsors of the event were:
Seewald families ⁣
Abayev Family⁣
Sarah Blau⁣
Darchai Mesivta⁣
Anonymous
Black Velvet Shoes
Zakons
Hair Lounge By Sarah
iKippah
Toys4U
Brooklyn Artisan Bakehouse
Crown Heights Shomrim
NYPD
Crown Display
DjYossi