Spreading Abundant Light at 11th Annual “Chanukah on the Park” in Forest Hills: Lighting A Path in Memory of Bondi Beach Terror Victims
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By Michael Perlman
“Chanukah on the Park” and its symbolic 18-foot menorah beams with much luster each Chanukah in front of Yellowstone Park (Yellowstone Boulevard between 68th Avenue and Road) as a multi-generational ceremony filled with diverse activities continues to grow spiritually. On December 14 at 3:15 PM, the 11th annual Chanukah on the Park took center stage on the first of eight nights, and large diverse crowds were ready to embrace Chanukah’s miracles, despite the freezing cold and prior snowy conditions.
The Forest Hills tradition, established 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 among the achievements that signify 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. “It is amazing to see how we came to this year, and it was truly full of light. Regardless of the weather, it felt warm at Chanukah on the Park,” said Rabbi Mendy. Attendees spanned all walks of life and shared the light of Chanukah. A Sunday was selected to prioritize for children. “They are the ones who bring their parents, and they truly love this event and anticipate it annually,” he continued.
One candle was illuminated on the first Chanukah night, which offers symbolism encompassing unity. “One candle, even being one, lights up the darkness. That was this year’s theme, especially after the terrorist attack at the beginning of Chanukah on Bondi Beach in Australia,” explained Rabbi Mendy. That traditional event is known as “Chanukah By The Sea.”
Rabbi Mendy & FDNY menorah lighting. Photo by Moishe Rechester.
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 oil. Jelly donuts are sufganiyot in Hebrew, and are a symbolic treat recalling the miracle of oil. The Shamash candle is Hebrew for “helper,” which is used to light the other candles. A dreidel is a spinning top game, which commemorates Jewish resilience at the time of Greek-Syrian oppression. The letters Nun, Gimel, Hei, and Shin consolidate as “Nes Gadol Hayah Sham,” translating as “A Great Miracle Happened There.”
Chanukah on the Park has always been a huge success due to teamwork, creativity, and dedicated and soulful hearts. An anchor is an 18-foot Chanukah Menorah, illuminated with torches. “At 18 feet, it signifies ‘Chai’ as in ‘life,’ where the Jewish people stand proud and alive,” said Rabbi Mendy. “We build it with love annually, thanks to special community members Boris and his son, who know the intricacies of building, as it is very large and needs to be secured well for the winds. The Parks Department is amazing and accommodating, and ensures that everything is running well and the electricity is working.” Preparations began months ago, and the budget proved to be in the high thousands.
The much-anticipated cherished tradition opened with breakdancers. Fresh jelly donuts were distributed from Della Nonna Gelato, a new kosher gelato and donut factory in Brooklyn and Fresh Meadows, offering a taste of Italy. CFHN shared their exclusive Chanukah magazine, a work of art. A Manischewitz food truck served kosher Jewish traditional hot foods for sale, including matzah ball soup, potato latkes, smash burgers, and hotdogs, as well as rugelach.
For several years, DJ Jordan has been playing traditional and recent Chanukah favorites, bringing dimension to the festive event. The repertoire included “Ner Li,” “Chanukah, Oh Chanukah,” “I Have A Little Dreidel,” and “Al Hanissim.” Elected officials spoke, including District Attorney Katz, Councilmember Schulman, Congresswoman Meng, and Queens Borough President Richards. The 112th Precinct and Queens Shmira Public Safety provided security. FDNY Ladder 138 arrived and Rabbi Mendy once again lit the first candle in collaboration on their cherry picker. This was followed by the popular 30-foot Chanukah gelt drop, where thousands of chocolate coins felt like a continuation of the snow earlier on. He posthumously referenced it as a magnificent sight, where children ran to collect them.
Rabbi Mendy & Rebbetzin Chaya with FDNY. Photo by Moishe Rechester.
Tevye from “Fiddler on the Roof” belting out the memorable phrase “Tradition” is reminiscent of Chanukah on the Park’s growth. Rabbi Mendy explained, “Eleven years ago, we developed an original idea that attracted crowds, already in its inaugural year. No other Queens community was producing it like this then. I am happy to share that others learned from us over the years and also achieve it on a larger scale, but I feel that we are unique and still stand out. I am proud of it.” Diverse entertainers throughout the years consisted of fire jugglers, illusionists, a ventriloquist, BMX bike stunts, an ice menorah carving, escape artists, a puppet show, a mad science show, and even a Flippenout Trampoline Show from Utah. In 2023, heavily inscribed commemorative gold, copper, and silver coins, “The Jerusalem Mint,” were introduced. They read “Light Unto The Nations” and “Maccabee Miracles, 165 BCE,” and featured menorahs.
Rabbi Mendy boldly conveyed the message that Chanukah on the Park will not be canceled this year due to the Bondi Beach tragedy, and he spoke from his heart, as always. He explained, “Chabad Lubavitch Rebbe, our leader OBM, would say in such times to not deter and to not cave in, but to stand proud and spread more light to banish this horrible darkness.” Rabbi Mendy is a native of Melbourne, Australia, where immediate family continues to reside, in addition to having immediate family in Sydney. At age 13, he immigrated to America.
With increasing anti-Semitism citywide and worldwide, it is more important than ever to spread much light and fulfill Mitzvahs (good deeds) year-round. Rabbi Mendy said, “Terrorists want us to have fear and run. We must not give in, and when they act barbaric, we rise up like lions and fight it with love and kindness and by doing more Mitzvot and with more light as we know how! A little bit of light in a dark room pushes away darkness! We are here to stay.”
Among the 15 victims who perished from the Bondi Beach tragedy are relatives associated with Rabbi Mendy, and he is committed toward keeping their memory alive based on their values and teachings. He explained, “We are all family, and this is affecting all good human beings of the world. A dear cousin of my wife, Rabbi Eli Shlanger, was killed at age 40. He ran this event for 18 years, and all he cared about, even until 30 minutes before the attack, was doing a mitzvah with a fellow Jew. He embodied the joy of Judaism, and always encouraged that to others. He was also a prison Chaplain, as I am, so it really touched me.”
Another individual who shares family with Rabbi Mendy’s sister-in-law, whose brother is a son-in-law to Mr. Reuven Morrison OBM, was from the rabbi’s hometown, and a neighbor and congregant. “He was in Sydney due to business, but a resident of Melbourne, and was killed after trying to stop the terrorist with a brick. He surely saved lives. He was a man of humor and joy of Judaism, who became religious and raised their only daughter in the faith. It is heartbreaking! I have no words! At least my father, may he live and be well, who was also a good friend of his, made sure along with others to have him flown back in a private jet to Melbourne out of respect. They made sure that the burial was not delayed due to Jewish law.”
Rabbi Mendy continued, “Let’s also not forget the beautiful 10-year-old child Matilda OBM and 87-year-old Holocaust survivor Alex Kleytman OBM, among the 15 killed in cold blood because they were Jewish. Let’s not forget the over 40 injured that day, and keep them in our minds and hearts for prayer. The mandate for us is to live their legacy and bring them to life by doing what they so much wanted to do, but now cannot. Spreading love, kindness, light, and another Mitzvah is what they wanted, and that is what they want from us now. I surely will become a better chaplain at Rikers Island, to bring to life what Rabbi Eli Shlanger OBM did in prisons with so much love.”
18 ft Menorah symbolizing Chai pre-lighting. Photo by Moishe Rechester.
Rabbi Mendy shared heartfelt words in memory of all victims. “If we make a good resolution and decide to strengthen our Jewish pride not only in words or with necklaces and bracelets, but in real action of strengthening our connection to G-D and doing another Mitzvah where we are lacking, something small but lasting is surely the way to memorialize their souls and bring them utmost peace. This will surely hasten bringing them back to life with the final Era of world peace, as we are taught in our Holy Torah.”
Bonding with hopes of preventing such tragedies and strengthening security measures is essential. Rabbi Mendy explained, “Everyone must stay vigilant. We buffed up our NYPD presence for our events during the week, and there was high visibility. We will continue to make sure our Chabad centers are safe and educate our community about it, but we also need to remember that we must live and continue to enjoy life. An aspect is enhancing our security through our spiritual security, and that is making sure we have a Mezuzah on our doors and ensuring they are kosher. Wear Tefillin and make sure they are kosher. The Rebbe said time and again in such times to check them, as they are our spiritual security and protection, and it really makes a difference. Doing any Mitzvah and small steps will surely make a difference, and G-D will protect us. Our community cannot do the physical and spiritual parts alone, so we all need to work together, which will do wonders united.”
Every night that followed Chanukah on the Park was beneficial through Menorah lightings and events. Monday consisted of two lightings, with one at Rikers Island alongside the commissioner, staff, and fellow chaplains. Tuesday evening ushered in a huge event on Rikers Island for people in custody. “We brought along a great group from our community to experience it and volunteer with my wife Chaya in attendance,” said Rabbi Mendy. Wednesday evening featured Queens BP Richards’ lighting at Queens Borough Hall with Chabad of Queens. Thursday consisted of a family party in Brooklyn. Friday night was an adult Chanukah Dinner Soiree featuring Chanukah treats and games, whereas Saturday night focused on families’ Havdalah and Havdalah candle-making with pizza and donuts. Sunday consisted of a Parker Towers residents’ private Chanukah party in their party room.
It is imperative to keep spreading light. “Please let’s not wait for G-D forbid another tragedy to wake up. Wake up now! Let’s get the preventive medicine going. Happy Chanukah, and keep the light burning throughout the year,” said Rabbi Mendy.
Rabbi Mendy and Rebbetzin Chaya keep the flame burning through their tireless pursuits. “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 in the name of good deeds, visit www.ChabadFHN.com, call 347-642-7166, email info@ChabadFHN.com, and follow on IG: @chabadfhn
