Chabad Reached over 50,000 Families in Brighton Beach this Chanukah

The dreidels were spinning and the latkes were frying all during Chanukah as the Chabad Neshama Center catered to the Russian American Jewish Community of Brighton Beach and Manhattan Beach, hosting entertaining and inspiring events each day of the holiday.

From preschoolers to teens to seniors, Chabad offered eight days of fun-filled incredible programs that involved the entire community, with over 50,000 families throughout the area participating in the Chanukah festivities. Every single night of Chanukah busloads of enthusiastic young Lubavitcher boys lit up the lives of all those they visited bringing menorahs and candles to their homes.

The celebration began at the elegant OPM Restaurant in Sheepshead Bay with a festive Chanukah holiday party geared for young professionals. Special guest, Congressman Bob Turner, joined Chabad Neshama Rabbis Moishe Dovid Winner, Zushe Winner, Avraham Winner and Shimmy Silver, along with prominent members of the Russian-American Jewish community, to light the candle on Tuesday evening, the first night of Chanukah.

On the second night of Chanukah the Chabad Neshama Bat Mitvah club celebrated with traditional Chanukah foods and games.

On the third night of Chanukah it was the teenagers’ turn, as Chabad Neshama Teens traveled to New Jersey to join the other Cteen groups from the tri-state area for a joint celebration. Traveling in stretch Hummers with Chanukah menorahs displayed on the roofs of their limos, the teens experienced a deep pride in their Jewish heritage and traditions.

The next day, the Chabad Neshama preschool hosted a party for preschoolers and parents who enjoyed watching their children perform while learning the story of Chanukah. “Chanukah is the children’s favorite holiday!” announced Sarah Silver, director of Neshama Preschool.

Children enrolled in the Chabad Neshama Afterschool program also had the opportunity to celebrate with their own menorah lighting ceremony.

The Chabad Neshama Center hosted a Chanukah Community Shabbos Dinner on the fourth night, which was made even more festive with the glow from the menorah candles.

The Chabad Neshama SRS (Seniors R Sunshine) enjoyed their Chanukah celebration on Saturday night, the fifth night of Chanukah.

Over 400 children celebrated the next day at Chabad’s amazing children’s Chanukah Wonderland, which had kids and adults glued to the spectacular gymnastics of world renowned acrobat Jason Pipitone. A menorah contest enlivened the day with the first prize winner of the most creative menorah receiving a Nintendo DS.

Doughnuts and chocolate Chanukah gelt were distributed by Rabbi Avraham and Shula Winner, who hosted a menorah lighting ceremony at the Holocaust Memorial Park in Manhattan Beach where dancing and music filled the street on the sixth night.

The next day, Chabad Neshama Winter Camp, directed by Rabbi Shimmy Silver, began and children were treated to a fun-filled day of Laser Tag. Camp was a major success with over 50 children participating in the weeklong activities.

Moms and their tots celebrated the 7th day of Chanukah at the popular Mommy & Me program led by Leah & Shula Winner.

While the rain poured and the wind howled on the last night of Chanukah, many hearts were warmed by the glowing lights of the menorah located on Neptune Ave. and West 5th Street. “Each person who came to light a lamp in the menorah felt privileged to stand as a shining example of freedom which is the enduring message of Chanukah,” said Rebbetzin Esther Winner. “And those who weren’t able to attend watched from their windows as the giant Menorah lit up the night.”

“Thank you for igniting my spark,” said Mr. Solomon Kaplan, echoing the feelings of all those who have been touched by the Chanukah and year round outreach activities of the Chabad Neshama Center.

Rabbi Zushe and Esther Winner are the founders of the Chabad Neshama Center for the past 27 years. They are assisted in their efforts by Rabbi Avrohom and Shula Winner of Manhattan Beach, Rabbi Moshe and Leah Winner and Rabbi Shimmy and Sara Silver.