Island Community Pulls Through

By COLlive reporter

The morning of Chabad of Lantau’s biggest event of the year, the rain was coming down hard in the largest of Hong Kong’s islands in China.

In its 5th year, Chanukah in the Plaza was expected to draw over 500 people to the busiest public area in Discovery Bay, a residential waterside resort in Hong Kong which boasts a large expat community.

Months of preparations including acquiring permits for such an event wouldn’t allow for postponing and no indoor space was available. The Shluchim, Rabbi Mendy and Lifshy Ajzenszmidt were adamant that cancelling was not an option and rain or shine, the menorah would be lit.

Blessings were requested and Tehillim was recited but with less than an hour before the event, there was no sign of a change in weather.

Thanks to some dedicated community members and more than a dozen local Chinese residents who approached the Shluchim to volunteer, the whole carnival was set up in less than an hour. Using pop-up tents as shelter, the Shluchim welcomed over 100 people who came out in the rain to bring more light into the world.

After the carnival, the crowd was entertained by a glow-in-the-dark African drumming performance. During a lull in the rain the menorah was prepared but within a few minutes the rain restarted with even more force.

The performance was paused in the hopes to light the menorah but with the heavy rain and wind the fire went out. Different suggestions were given, to light it under cover on a small menorah but the shluchim together with some determined community members weren’t going to give up. The performance continued as new wicks were prepared and just as the performance ended, with the rain still falling, the menorah was finally lit to cheers from the crowd.

After the event, the Shluchim received many messages and calls from participants who were inspired and moved by the determination to light the Menorah.

“Thanks a lot, it was a real miracle!” one said, while another said, “Thank you so much for a great event even in the rain. It will be for sure one to remember. To many more celebrations together.” A third called the rabbi “Mendy Commando” and told the Shluchim “you are real champions and good friends! This is the spirit and thanks for the precious gift.”

The shluchim thanked their Head Shluchim, Rabbi Mordechai and Goldie Avtzon for their constant support.