‘Ukrainer’ Visits Brighton Beach

Reb Moishe Ukrainer visited Brighton Beach this Purim, asking all members of his “family” – all Jews living in the area – to reconnect with their roots.

In the Purim Shpiel he was dressed like a Chassid from the Ukraine from 150 years ago. He related to the audience stories of the Lubavitch Rebbe who was born and lived in his youth in the Ukrainian cities of Nikolayev and Dnepropetrovsk, and he urged all to learn more at the Chabad Houses.

This Shpiel was part of a multi feature event hosted by Chabad Lubavitch of West Brighton and Chabad Lubavitch of Manhattan Beach at the famous National Catering Hall on Brighton Beach Avenue.

The overflow crowd of some seven hundred participated in the event that began Thursday afternoon with a reading of the Megilah and lasted late into the night with a chassidic Farbrengen.

Due to the enormous crowd the event had to be held on two floors, an amazing children’s program and show on the first floor and a buffet dinner and adult celebration in the main ballroom.

Rabbis Avrohom Winner, Shimmy Silver and Moishe D. Winner – in Purim costumes lead the singing of Chabad Russian-Jewish songs. Drinks were available in the Purim spirit.

At the Farbrengen, lead by Rabbi Zushe Winner, the head Shliach of the area, the audience was very inspired.

One man, 42 years old, committed himself to have a Bris in the following week. Another committed to buy a quality set of Teffilin and wear it daily. For many this was the first Purim that they ever celebrated.