(The Jewish Community Center – Chabad of West Queens)
Dec. 14, 2020 By Allie Griffin
A large menorah sculptured from ice was lit at Gantry Plaza State Park last night.
The JCC-Chabad of LIC hosted its annual outdoor Chanukah party and lit the iconic six-foot tall menorah.
Residents came together for the festival of lights where lively Chanukah music played and Hebrew School students performed. Attendees were given individually packaged Chanukah cookies and light-up glasses ahead of the lighting.
The menorah was lit at the waterfront park with the lights from Manhattan as a backdrop.
Rabbi Zev Wineberg, founder and leader of the Chabad of LIC/West Queens, said it was important to host the Chanukah celebration despite the pandemic.
“The holidays…help us celebrate who we are,” Rabbi Zev said. “Challenges may get in our way but we can always rise above them. Only a couple of months ago, it seemed impossible to bring our congregants together during such uncertain times.”
The menorah lighting was particularly unifying during a difficult year, one congregant said.
“The pandemic can make people feel lonely because of the isolation from others,” the congregant said. “The Chabad created a safe environment for people to come together during the holiday which is a time to celebrate with family and friends.”
(The Jewish Community Center – Chabad of LIC/West Queens)
(The Jewish Community Center – Chabad of LIC/West Queens)
One Comment
I ❤ the Wineberg family. Just great energy of individuals. Congratulations