Bay Ridge Jewish Center celebrates Hanukkah

December 13, 2018 By Jaime DeJesus Brooklyn Daily Eagle

Lighting the menorah. Photo by Steve Solomonson

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The Bay Ridge Jewish Center at 405 81 St. held its annual Hanukkah Party on Sunday, Dec. 9 to much fanfare.

The celebration included menorah lighting, latkes and other snacks, arts and crafts, toy and coat drive, a blood drive and more.

“It was a phenomenal success,” Rabbi Robert Judd said. “We had a bunch people that came and a lot of new faces, members, kids just coming to celebrate the festival of lights. It was fun, food and fellowship. Everyone had a good time and we’ll be back next year.”

He also spoke about the impact the Hebrew School Parents Association had on the day.

“They are really the group that puts it all together,” Judd said. “They’re in charge of planning and setting up and cleaning up and making sure everything runs smoothly. That’s part of our Hebrew school. Hebrew school parents really put it in and open it up for the entire community.”

He also added that the turnout was great thanks to the traditional activities during the holiday season.

“We had a lighting towards the end of the program when we set up a lot of the menorahs of Hanukkah,” Judd explained. “Every family came up and I lit the first candle. Then we passed it to somebody and they passed the light on before they lit their menorah. As I taught last night, a candle can keep giving light away and it’s never diminished.

“It shows we are a viable presence in the community and we want to be part of the larger Bay Ridge community,” he added. “We open our doors and anyone that wants to come in can.”