The front of the Supreme Court and Borough Hall of Brooklyn was a happening scene this Chanukah.
Rabbi Aaron L Raskin and his son Rabbi Yankel Raskin prepared Brooklyn Heights for Chanukah starting with placing the Hugh JJ Hecht Menorah in the midst of the court area for everyone to enjoy.
Every night at 5pm candles were lit by Rabbi Raskin and an appointed guest. It’s a sight that the whole community comes to watch both Jewish and not Jewish. The Chabad of Brooklyn Heights Crew consisting of Rebetsin Shternie Raskin, Chaya Raskin, Mendy Raskin, Yehoshua Raskin, and Sheli Man-Steinberg with other community members handing out hot latkes, Menorahs, Dreidels, prizes for children, chocolate gelt, and reading material.
Children, mothers, fathers, Kiddie Korner families, businessmen, lawyers, judges, people coming from the subway, and others. Everyone enjoyed the music and warmth that Chabad has brought and to end the lighting the men danced to the lighting flames.
On the second night of the holiday CBH organized a massive Grand Menorah Lighting in Borough Hall with a special visit from the Borough President Eric Adams and the Entertainer Moshe Tenenbaum, also known as the “Original Uncle Moishy.”
The CBH Hebrew School and Kiddie Korner preschool presented Chanukah songs and children were given gifts. Donuts, Coffee, tea, and a variety of drinks were served to the whole community, about 200 people were present.
The next nights of Chanukah consisted of other dignitaries lighting the menorah like Brooklyn district attorney, Eric Gonzalez and others. To bring some warm laughter, CBH put together a Chanukah Comedy night for adults hosted the comedian Johnny Lampert and was catered by Eliyahu and Shaindy Raskin, JJ’s Holy Cow. The event took place in Congregation B’nai Avraham located in the big brownstone building on Remsen street. It was a huge success and attendance was far greater than expected.
To top all these events Rabbi Yankel and Yael Raskin with Sheli Man-Steinberg, Organized a Chanukah party for the CBH seniors AKA The KlugerClub. The Kiddie Korner Preschool children preformed Chanukah songs and handed out gifts and cards and the seniors enjoyed a warm lunch with soup, Latkes, Donuts, tea and coffee. The team discussed Chanukah, shared stories and spoke about Rosh Chodesh. It was a Hugh success and heart warming for the local seniors. The 8th light was lit with the seniors and gave an ever lasting impression on their souls, giving them a spark of hope and a sense of community and family.
The Kiddie Korner Children also went to visit local nursing homes and gave out gifts after preforming Chanukah songs. CBH puts much emphasis on teaching children meaningful values by showing them how to apply them in their community and near by environment. Seniors were tremendously touched and felt the warmth and love the Chabad has been bringing every holiday to their facilities.
Rabbi and Mrs. Raskin and family do a tremendous amount of kiruv and good. They should be blessed with only good.