Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams celebrated the Festival of Lights in a big, bright way near Borough Hall by lighting a 25-foot menorah in Columbus Park on Wednesday, December 17.
“It was a true honor to take part in this beautiful holiday tradition with Brooklyn’s Jewish community,” said Adams. “Sharing in each other’s sacred rites is a wonderful way to expand cross-cultural appreciation, and it builds the bonds that make One Brooklyn strong year-round.”
Adams was joined by Rabbi Aaron Raskin when he ignited the lanterns with a propane torch to kick off the second night of Hanukkah. Adams also danced the hora—a traditional Jewish circle dance—with local residents in the park after the ceremony and was there two nights earlier, on Monday, December 15 for a pre-Hanukkah celebration inside Brooklyn Borough Hall.
Photo courtesy of Meir Haltovsky/JDN
The evening recognized eight local luminaries, according to the Borough President’s office, who span a diverse cross-section of Jewish life in Brooklyn: Aron Y. Kohn and Chaim Fleischer of Chaverim of Brooklyn, Alex Budnitsky of the JCH of Bensonhurst, Douglas H. Jablon of Maimonides Medical Center, Yecheskel S. Kauftheil of Mekimi, Rabbi Dr. Alvin Kass of the NYPD Shomrim Society, David Brecher and Jack Jaffa of OHEL Children’s Home and Family Services, Joseph J. Sitt and Betty Cohen of the Sephardic Community Foundation and Anna Bronfman of the Shorefront YM-YWHA.
The pre-Hanukkah celebration was sponsored by the Brooklyn Jewish Historical Initiative, Flatbush Jewish Community Coalition, Jewish Community Relations Council, New York Board of Rabbis, Sephardic Community Federation and UJA Federation of New York.
“Hanukkah is a holiday that reminds us of the determination of the human spirit and how ordinary people can do extraordinary things,” added Adams.
SUNSET PARK — “As a resident of Marine Park, one of the great surprises I found biking around Industry City and visiting Japan Village was to discover Bush Terminal Park. I continue to be amazed at the serene hideaways that the city offers in some of the busiest places — and, still, with an iconic view.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.
ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.
