Unique multicultural Brooklyn Chanukah party lights up the holiday
Brooklyn is a microcosm of the world. This was evident and elevated to an artform at one of the most fascinating Chanukah parties in the borough. The petite powerhouse behind this multicultural lighting of menorahs is Florence Rosenwein, a Bergen Beach retiree. This year, Florence hosted over 125 friends and colleagues of all races and religions to join her family in their annual celebration of miracles and religious freedom.
The buffet luncheon, which included the traditional brisket and potato latkes and applesauce, was catered by the glatt kosher Signature Caterers by Roz and Alan Zachter in Mill Basin’s Temple Sholom. Those sampling the fare were of backgrounds from China, Italy, Haiti, Israel, Argentina, South Carolina, Guatemala, India, Puerto Rico, Jamaica and Brooklyn. Chanukah tunes played in the background as the DJ organized karaoke singers who were ready to perform.
Florence’s daughter, Sari Rosenwein, explained the genesis of the unique soiree. Sari and her husband, Andrew Warshaw, practice dentistry together at Park Slope Family Dentistry. Thirty-eight years ago, the party started with 18 family members in her parents’ home in Sheepshead Bay. It then moved to Sari’s Bergen Beach home and added friends into the mix. About 10 years ago, the party moved into the Sisterhood Room of the synagogue, and Florence and Sari began inviting their colleagues.