In defiance of a resurgence of antisemitism, Chabad in Brownstone Brooklyn came out stronger than ever in displaying Jewish pride and unity.
For the first time ever, Chabad Jewish Center of Prospect Heights erected a 10-foot Menorah across Brooklyn’s Barclay Center at Atlantic Terminal Plaza, the site of an antisemitic rally just weeks earlier, throughout all eight days of Chanukah.
With a grand menorah lighting taking place on the evening of Tuesday, December 20 and Chanukah carnival for the public to enjoy. District 35 Council Member Crystal Hudson, representing Crown Heights and Prospect Heights, shared her enthusiasm and support for the Chanukah celebration. Chabad’s giant Menorah was lit by Lior Rachmany, CEO of Dumbo Movers and Chabad supporter. The event was facilitated by Atlantic Terminal manager, Mr. Jean Paul Esemplare.
The following night, Wednesday, December 21, Chabad centers around Brooklyn joined together at the Barclays center again to celebrate the 10th annual Menorah lighting at the Nets vs Warriors Basketball game. Thousands were present as the Menorah was lit in the arena accompanied by a special video presentation on lighting up the world with acts of kindness and the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s message on the Year of Hakhel. The Menorah was lit by Attorney Bradley Egenberg of Egenberg Trial Lawyers and displayed in a location which can be viewed from all corners of the arena throughout the game, manifesting the Chanukah mandate for pirsumei nisah–publicizing the Chanukah miracle. The event concluded with Chanukah tunes playing and the Rabbis and Dancing Dreidels.
Regarding the recent rise in antisemitism, Rabbi Mendy Hecht of CJC Prospect Heights said, “this is the Jewish way to respond to hate–to be stronger and brighter in a way of kindness and sharing light with one another.”
Rabbi Moshe Hecht of Chabad of Windsor Terrace, who oversees activities at Brooklyn Nets headquarters, said “the Menorah really brings out a special, contagious kind of Jewish pride in each person. You can see it on everyone’s face!”
What “ antisemitic rally just weeks earlier?”