Spreading The Light at the 10th Annual “Chanukah on the Park”
Views: 0
Rabbi Mendy, Rebbetzin Chaya, & family alongside the newly introduced ice menorah, Photo by Moishe Rechester Photography
A Festive Forest Hills Tradition Lighting The Way
Uniting on Chanukah & Year-Round
By Michael Perlman | mperlman@queensledger.com
“Chanukah on the Park” and its symbolic 18-foot menorah beams brightly each year in front of Yellowstone Municipal Park (Yellowstone Boulevard between 68th Avenue and Road) as a multi-generational, eventful ceremony filled with diverse activities grows logistically and spiritually. On December 26 at 5 PM, the 10th annual Chanukah on the Park took center stage on the second of eight nights, and hundreds of attendees were ready to embrace the miracles of Chanukah. Additionally, Yellowstone Boulevard apartment building residents once again had an aerial view.
This Forest Hills tradition originating in 2015, was founded by Rabbi Mendy Hecht and Rebbetzin Chaya Hecht of Chabad of Forest Hills North (CFHN), who also serve the community religiously and as humanitarians since 2012. The festival is another achievement that signifies how CFHN is a community beacon of light, continuing to spread the message behind the Chanukah lights year-round. “Chanukah is the miracle of light over darkness. Chanukah on The Park is a way to unite the community and bring more light and positive energy to our neighborhood,” said Rabbi Mendy.
Rabbi Mendy in anticipation of the ice menorah lighting, Photo by Moishe Rechester Photography
Among the highlights were ice menorah carver John from Ice Miracles, a fire show by stuntman Michael, jelly donuts from Israel by Motek Bakery, a fire truck with a cherry picker under FDNY Engine 289/Ladder 138 that partnered for a chocolate Chanukah gelt drop at 30 feet, and Chabad style dancing from the town of Lubavitch. Most of all, the ice menorah was lit with fire, in addition to the 18-foot traditional menorah with bulbs. Symbolism can be found upon the second day of Chanukah for this year’s festival, where two candles are kindled by the leading Shamash candle. Additionally, there are now two menorahs rather than one. “Two menorahs represent more light,” said Rabbi Mendy.
There was a presence by the 112th Precinct’s Interim Commanding Officer Brovakos and the new NYPD Borough North Patrol Chief Hennessy, as well as Community Affairs Officers Tuohey and Desantis. The NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, City Council, Queens Jewish Community Council, and the Parks Department also contributed to the reality of a lustrous Forest Hills tradition. Much creative planning is conducted several months in advance, enabling a memorable experience, and after an event, the following year’s festival is on the radar. “The event is very costly annually, and this year it was thousands of dollars of fun and entertainment,” said Rabbi Mendy.
Dr. Howard Rubin Baruch of Forest Hills enjoys attending annually. Despite colder temperatures, attendees kept warm as they united and had a great workout. Dr. Baruch began dancing with dreidel and clown-like mascots. He explained, “Jelly donuts were given out to all who took part. Unlike the previous celebrations, where a tall menorah was only lit with fire, a menorah that was carved from ice was lit by Rabbi Mendy Hecht. With an FDNY Chanukah gelt chocolate coin drop and dancing, everyone looked like they were having fun at this lively event. It was a very memorable and joyous occasion.”
Chanukah mascots that danced, Photo by Moishe Rechester Photography
Longtime attendee Tara Levin, a Rego Park resident, also anticipated an ambiance marked by Chanukah lights and joy, and she experienced “a very warm feeling of unity in community.” She felt inspired by the hundreds of guests throughout the evening. “They ranged from a few months in age to seniors, where some came with walkers. The little kids were adorable, and I noticed their smiles in response to the festivities,” she said.
Levin felt that the on-scene performance, music, jelly donuts, toys, and decorations were excellent, and among the most impressive was the menorah ice sculpture. “The ice master transformed simple cubes of ice. As soon as this beautiful ice sculpture was ready and the candles were lit, it symbolized Chanukah’s main idea, distinguished by ice and fire.” She compared the Chanukah gelt drop from the dark sky to gold and silver rain.
Chanukah descends from the Hebrew term “chinuch,” meaning inauguration and education. The “Festival of Lights” rejoices the miracle of how a tiny cruse of oil, fit for a single-day supply, conveyed luster for eight days. In addition, it recalls the Jewish victory over a tyrant king and the temple’s rededication in Jerusalem. It is a tradition to eat fried latkes (potato pancakes), which symbolizes the miracle of the oil. Memorable Chanukah tunes include “Al Hanisim,” “Chanukah, Oh Chanukah,” “Mi Yimalel,” “Ner Li,” “S’vivon Sov Sov Sov,” “Candlelight,” “Light Up The Nights,” “Ma’oz Tzur” and “I Have A Little Dreidel.” This year, some highlights included Matisyahu’s “Happy Chanukah,” Chabad’s “Hanerot Halalu,” and Benny Friedman’s renditions of famous Israeli and American traditional Chanukah tunes.
Switching roles, Photo by Moishe Rechester Photography
Rabbi Mendy alongside NYPD 112th Precinct, Photo by Moishe Rechester Photography
Jelly donuts are known as sufganiyot in Hebrew, and are a symbolic treat that recalls Chanukah’s miracle of the oil. The ambiance feels traditional yet innovative. “Every year, we must light the 18-foot Menorah, which is of #1 importance to spread the miracle of light. With our FDNY amazing team on site, that is an example of a positive fire,” said Rabbi Mendy. A menorah is kindled with a torch, beginning with the “Shamash,” the central candle used to light the other candles.
In addition to Chanukah on the Park, the holiday lineup includes the Chassidut Class with Rabbi Mendy, Chanukah Community Shabbat Dinner and Shabbat Morning Services with a Kiddush luncheon, the Latke Cook-Off Chanukah Party, CTeen Central Queens’ Choco-Lit Covered Chanukah, Chanukah at Borough Hall, and Chanukah Story Hour for ages two to five.
Chabad of Forest Hills North ice menorah, Photo by Tara Levin
The arrival of the FDNY, Photo by Tara Levin
Chanukah on the Park’s tenth anniversary is a milestone. “Every year, we like to make it exciting and different, while retaining certain staples, such as the famous 30-foot Chanukah gelt drop by the FDNY,” said Rabbi Mendy. This year’s agenda adds to the diverse history of earlier events, where highlights included a BMX bike show, an illusionist, a magician, a ventriloquist, a fire juggler, an escape artist, a puppet show, a mad science show, and the Flippenout Trampoline Show from Utah. Last year, heavily inscribed commemorative gold, copper, and silver coins, “The Jerusalem Mint,” was introduced. They read “Light Unto The Nations” and “Maccabee Miracles, 165 BCE,” and featured menorahs.
Rabbi Mendy is highly regarded for his thoughtful and empowering speeches. He explained, “Like the Maccabees, we are to be bold proud Jews, have conviction, and act here and now, and not just rely on stories of the past. Just like the menorah that was made of one piece of gold with branches, we should remember that we are all different branches, but in essence, we come from one unit. Our neshamot/souls are all one with G-D. We are all one, and therefore need to love and be there for each other.”
With increasing anti-Semitism worldwide, it is more important than ever to spread the light and fulfill mitzvahs in solidarity, especially on Chanukah, which reinforces that message. Rabbi Mendy said, “Chanukah screams out loud Jewish pride, and to stand with heads up high, never to lower ourselves or coward away. Chanukah says we will push away anti-Semitism with light and love, and a little bit of light will send our enemies away and banish this hatred and darkness.”
Some guests in between festivities with 2 menorahs, Photo by Rabbi Mendy Hecht
Two years ago, Rabbi Mendy also delivered a heartfelt speech. “The light of the menorah is not just for us or our families, but for the people around us like the windows of the Holy Temple going outwards to bring light outwards.” He referenced and adapted a notable JFK quote, “Do not say what can my country do for me, but say what can I do for my country. Spread the light to others.”
Chanukah serves as a model for all inaugurations, including education, which is the most significant, although historically, the Greeks once issued decrees against Jewish education. “The Lubavitcher Rebbe often stressed the unique connection between Chanukah and education. It is a special time that inspires children to connect to their heritage, as can be seen by many customs, including the giving of Chanukah gelt,” said Rabbi Mendy. Chanukah is also a time of continued spiritual growth.
The traditions of Chanukah in the Holy Land vary somewhat from some of those observed in America or Australia, Rabbi Mendy’s native country. He explained, “In Israel, menorahs are displayed in glass boxes and sit outside homes unlike how in America, where you will mostly find them in windows or inside homes. It’s a truly beautiful sight in Jerusalem. Jelly donuts are served hot, unlike how they are served cold in America.” He also pointed out how the dreidel in Israel features the Hebrew alphabet, Nun (none), Gimmel (all), Hei (half) and Pay instead of Shin (some). “Since the Pay is the first letter representing the word Poh which means ‘here,’ it means that a great miracle happened here in Jerusalem,” he continued.
Growing up, it was much different. He reminisced, “Early morning, we would go to the synagogue to see the Rebbe Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson live from Brooklyn, lighting the menorah and giving a talk to inspire us about Chanukah. The Rebbe would watch every country live light their menorah. This was another display of spreading light worldwide. In the early 1990s, it was before Facebook Live existed, but Chabad was always at the forefront of technology. Many traditions were the same, but our Chanukah on the Park in Melbourne, Australia was held during their summer in a larger area, unlike Forest Hills.”
It is important to spread Chanukah’s universal message to generate understanding and compassion. “Chanukah now should teach all people to be on the side of good, kindness, and light. Our Chanukah on the Park attracts people of all religions, being that we are uniting to spread light, morals, and ethics; a mission that should be near and dear to all. It is important to unite at such a dire time for all people. It is our moral duty to make this world more refined and good,” said Rabbi Mendy.
Chanukah among other beautiful events under the leadership of CFHN exemplifies togetherness. He explained, “It teaches us that with one act, we can change the world. You do not have to be on a level to accomplish this. Your one good deed can perform wonders and make an impact. Kindness and good deeds (mitzvahs) are contagious, and coordinating events inspires me to pursue more. It is special to see so many people feeling inspired and uplifted.”
Much light can be grasped on Chanukah and year-round, as Rabbi Mendy and Rebbetzin Chaya work tirelessly. “We always offer weekly classes and Shabbat services, as well as many programs and events,” said Rabbi Mendy. To learn more about services, activities, and initiatives, and to donate, visit www.ChabadFHN.com, call 347-642-7166, or email info@chabadfhn.com
