Last year Chabad of West Hempstead was presented with an opportunity by the NY Islanders for Pirsumei Nissah by lighting the Menorah during a hockey game on the third night of Chanukah at Nassau Coliseum stadium.
This was a small scale success considering the potential. At the event hundreds of Menorahs and candles were also distributed to unaffiliated Jews walking through the promenade at the Nassau Coliseum, who approached the Chabad booth and indicated that they had not yet lit the Menorah.
Stories were told from those recalling lighting with their grandparents. Children were urging their fathers to take home the Menorah and candles so that they could light. Between the second and third periods of the game Chabad lit a large menorah before approximately 14,000 fans in attendance.
Following the game the organizers received some polite negative feedback from some. The Menorah was lit in a location that was not visible to all. Although the scene was broadcast over the p.a. system and on the video scoreboard, there were numerous distractions happening on the ice, including T-shirts being launched into the crowd.
In response Chabad has requested of the Islanders that the Menorah lighting be moved on the ice – in full view and without distractions – and permission was granted.
Chabad of West Hempstead is committed to selling as many tickets to this game as possible to satisfy the the NY Islanders, so that this event can be repeated in future years.
Bring your family and friends. Support this important effort by purchasing your discounted tickets to the game at www.chanukahislanders.com
The date of this years event is Motzei Shabbos, Dec. 12, 2009, the second night of Chanukah. Game time is 7:00 pm.
Kosher food will be available to purchase at the game. There will also be a 50/50 raffle to benefit the Friendship Circle of West Hempstead.
i went to him for talucha and it was amazing
In addition to providing myriad of programs instilling Yiras Somayim and Chassidus children and teens, Rav Yossi Lieberman serves the community with shiurim in niglah and Chassidus on a regular basis. He is a true Gadol b’Torah v’chassidus, Yerei Shomayim and all around mentch.
the site – http://www.chanukahislanders.com – is pretty nice!
Why is the name of the shliach omitted?
This is a major chutzpah and zilzul in kavod hatorah of Rav Yossi Lieberman Shlita.
Rabbi Lieberman, also known as Senator Joe Lieberman to colleagues and close associates, is the rocking Rockster.