Jews Celebrate Chanukah in Liberty
More than 200 people gathered outside of Shoprite Mall in Liberty, NY, on Motzei Shabbos, December 20th, the fifth night of Chanukah, for the historic lighting of a public Chanukah Menorah.
Mr. Charlie Barbuti, Town of Liberty Supervisor, Mr. Dan Ratner Village of Liberty Mayor, Joan Stoddard, Village of Liberty Trustee, and Village of Liberty Police Chief Scott Kinne joined community members and friends with Rabbi Yossi Hurwitz of Chabad of Swan Lake for the festive ceremony.
The joyous crowd sang the blessings together, while Mr. Charlie Barbuti lit the ‘Shamash’ (First Candle) and Mayor Dan Ratner lit the Menorah. With live music, dancing, dreidels, traditional Chanukah refreshments such as Latkes, donuts, and Chanukah gelt, the atmosphere could not have been more festive!
World renowned Cantor Aryeh Leib Hurwitz enthused the crowd with his singing, and received a loud “We want more!” after every song. In addition, an exciting fire juggler from Melbourne, Australia, kept the crowds eyes glued to his theatrical moves.
Rabbi Yossi Hurwitz thanked Shoprite for all their assistance and involvement in this important holiday; he said, “I especially take off my hat for Shoprite manager John Rogan who extended all his help, working with me and arranging the entire Chanukah celebration, I would never pull it off without him.” He also showed gratitude towards the elected officials, and the entire community for being a part of such an auspicious occasion.
Rabbi Bentzion Chanowitz of Chabad of Monticello, who came specially for this celebration, spoke about Chanukas message to add more light every day; he said, “everyone should add a good deed every day, to make a better world.”
“The message of Chanukah is lighting up the darkness.” said Rabbi Hurwitz, “Everyone coming out in the cold tonight to celebrate Chanukah with such warmth and excitement has certainly lit up the mountains! Let’s continue being the spark in darkness until our rays of light brighten up the entire world.”
The atmosphere was happy and festive, and the joyous dancing went on for hours. The attendees returned home with high spirits, smiling faces and a warm Chanukah feeling.
Kol Hakavod
Wow Rabbi YY Hurwitz the latkes were awesome!!!!
Next year suitability in Jerusalem, Amen!!!
Amazing!
Wow!
AGUDA NEWS
Rabbi Yossi Hurwitz of Chabad of Swan Lake IS THE BEST
Uncle Yossi
That’s really nice. Wish we could have been there!
Rosie
OMG! I can’t even.
Evergreen Lochsheldrake
This Rabbi YY Hurwitz.
You really surprise us, we know that Passover you’re making a public Seder, and youngleit of our place run the Seder for you.
But a Menorah Lighing winter in Liberty?? how did a big crowd??.
I take my hat off for you, the Rebbe would be very proud of this, it’s a Kidush Hashem and kidush lubavitch.
Wow!!
What an incredible event!!! Kol hakavod!!
The kvuza תשעה
A special thanks to the bochrim from the kvuza of this year,spent the shabat in the country,in lieberty ,came speicaly for this to dance with the people ,and to make the simchas chanukah happening ,thankb you Levi Henig ,and other bochrim a big yeshar choach.
Shliach & Shlucha Thanking
We take this opportunity to thank everyone who spent Shabbos Chanukah with us in Chabad of Swan Lake, all who helped us with the Menorah Lighting… Musician Daniel Shpringer, Juggler Izzy Adelice, Kevutzah Bochrim Levi Rabinowitz, Greenberg, Hurwitz (reb Itcheh der masmid great grandson) I forgot the other 3 names, also Ben- Shachar who spend a whole day with me to put up Menorahs in various locations.
Also all Neshei ubnos Chabad who helped tremendously with everything.
Thank you very much, It would never happen without you, you gave the Rebbeh lots of N.R.
Yossi & Esther Hurwitz