It was a packed Chanuka for Chabad Ohr Avner of Queens this year, with many celebrations held throughout the community during the entire festive week.
Every night of Chanuka there was a public Menorah lighting on Queens Boulevard led by Rabbi Dovid Shushan, spreading the Chanuka miracle to all of Queens. A large pick up truck boasting a giant Menorah on it could be seen driving around the city of Forest Hills, Rego Park and Kew Gardens. Rabbi Shushan led the way with festive music, as he rejoiced with the community, saying L’chaim, while giving out Menorah kits, and delicious donuts.
A huge Menorah parade illuminated the streets in Queens on the first day of Chanuka. Chabad Ohr Avner, in partnership with the Chabad Lubavitch Yeshiva of Queens and many others, joined forces to spread light to the community. They proudly paraded the streets from the Bukharian Jewish community center of Jamaica Estates concluding with a public Menorah lighting on Queens Boulevard. Rabbi Baruch Babayev, the Chief Rabbi of the Bukharian Jews in the USA, was honored to light the menorah. The crowd enjoyed the beautiful atmosphere as donuts and Menorah kits were distributed.
On Friday night, the second night of Chanukah, close to 200 teens and young adults gathered in the Bukharian Jewish Community Center for a Shabbos together – One Shabbat. The participants also enjoyed a joyous Chanukah party. Divrei Torah and Chizuk were shared by Rabbi Asher Vaknin, Rabbi of the youth Minyan in the BJCC. A variety of different flavors of donuts were distributed amidst joyous songs. On Motzei Shabbos, in honor of the 3rd candle, a special Father and Son program took place in the BJCC, with over 300 people in attendance.
On Sunday an exciting event was prepared for children and adults by Rabbi Yitzchak Wolowik, Rabbi David Shushan, and his wife Chani. The event took place in the ballroom of the BJCC, with close to 500 children and their parents. They enjoyed festive food, bounce houses, games, and music. The event concluded with an exciting magic show that was followed by reciting the Pesukim with prizes, and the grand Menorah lighting of the fourth candle, in the big shul of the BJCC. At the same time, in Hollis Hills, Chabad Ohr Avner organized an event in their brand new community center for Bukharian Jewish children and adults, with over 100 people in attendance. A grand Menorah lighting took place, along with lots of food, games, and music. It was a beautiful event under the new Rabbi of Hollis Hills, Rabbi Daniel Zvulonov.
Monday, the 5th night of Chanuka brought the BJCC and Ohr Avner communities together with an exciting pick up truck arranged by Rabbi David Shushan, Rabbi Asher Vaknin and his children. They traveled all the way to 47th street, the main street of the Bukharian Jews in Manhattan, special to bring the light of the holiday with donuts, dancing, and music to their community members. This was an exciting time for their community members to be surprised at work, something the community will remember for years to come.
On Tuesday the 6th night of Chanuka, Chabad Ohr Avner of Jamaica Estates joined together with Ganeinu academy in their Chanuka celebrations. Rabbi Shmuel Kogan organized the greatest Menorah lighting in all of Queens at Cunningham Park where the famous Israeli singer Gad Elbaz took the stage. A fireworks show captivated the crowd, followed by a mega Kahoots game that 1000 people enjoyed. Amazing prizes were awarded to the winners, including a Playstation five, a drone and speaker, as well as a JBL. Prior to the event, organizers heard about pro palestinian protesters who threatened to disturb the event. With heavy security, protesters were kept away from hindering the event.
On Wednesday the 7th night of Chanukah, the Ohr Avner dinner took place. The dinner celebrated the successes of the many institutions under the umbrella organization, including: Jewish institute of Queens, Ohr Chana, JIQ Boys High School, and Ganeinu. Hosted in the beautiful ballroom Elmhurst Da Mikel Iliagio the memorable dinner inspired the crowds of supporters as they enjoyed delicious food while hearing from inspirational speakers. Zaka member Mr. Moshe Malayev among many others shared their personal experiences on October 7th, inspiring the crowd. The keynote speaker was the Israeli Ambassador in The UN Mr Gilad Erden, who was honored by the daughter of the philanthropist Mr Lev Leviev – Chagit Sofiev the CEO of Leviev group in NY. Mr Erden spoke about his fight for the Jewish people against the nations in the UN. During the dinner, a grand Menorah lighting took place and the chief Rabbi of the Bukharian Jews in USA Rabbi Baruch Babayev lit the 7th Candle.
On Thursday, Rabbi David Shushan and his wife Chani organized a special night of bowling for Bukharian teens in Queens at Bowl 360. They were proud to perform a public Menorah lighting in their lounge to spread the miracle. The teens then headed to the teen lounge to enjoy some lighthearted games, enjoying the holiday spirit with delicious food and joyous music. Rabbi Shushan and his wife who joined the team of Shluchim for the Bukharian Jews one year ago and are working hard to reach all Jewish teens in Queens to connect them with their Jewish roots.
In Hollis Hills a grand Menorah lighting event for couples took place on Thursday night as well, with Rabbi Daniel Zvulonov. The event was hosted in the shul of the Bukharian community there. Another special event on an already busy night, was Ohr Chana High School’s grand chanukah party. The students gathered in the BJCC of Forest Hills where they enjoyed a packed program with their teachers and principal.
