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Last year Chabad of West Hempstead was presented with an opportunity by the NY Islanders for Pirsumei Nissah by lighting the Menorah during a hockey game on the third night of Chanukah. This was a small scale success considering the potential. At the event hundreds of Menorahs and candles were also distributed to unaffiliated Jews walking through the promenade at the Nassau Coliseum, who approached the Chabad booth and indicated that they had not yet lit the Menorah.

Biggest Audience for live Menorah Lighting in the NY Metro Area

Last year Chabad of West Hempstead was presented with an opportunity by the NY Islanders for Pirsumei Nissah by lighting the Menorah during a hockey game on the third night of Chanukah. This was a small scale success considering the potential. At the event hundreds of Menorahs and candles were also distributed to unaffiliated Jews walking through the promenade at the Nassau Coliseum, who approached the Chabad booth and indicated that they had not yet lit the Menorah.

Stories were told from those recalling lighting with their grandparents. Children were urging their father’s to take home the Menorah and candles so that they could light. Between the second and third periods of the game Chabad lit a large menorah before approximately 14,000 fans in attendance.

Following the game the organizers received some polite negative feedback from some. The Menorah was lit “off-ice” in a location that was not visible to all. Although the scene was broadcast over the p.a. system and on the video scoreboard, there were numerous distractions going “on the ice” including T-shirts being launched into the crowd.

In response Chabad has requested of the Islanders that the Menorah lighting be moved “on ice” in full view and without distractions and permission was granted.

No need to explain the potential impact such Pirsumei Nissah can make on the unaffiliated Jews of Long Island in attendance at the game. The more Jews in attendance, singing along to Maoz Tzur and taking pride in lighting the Menorah, can rekindle the flame within, and will provide the impetus to approach the Chabad booth at the game, and pick up a menorah to bring home, in an effort to touch their hearts.

Chabad of West Hempstead is committed to selling as many tickets to this game as possible to satisfy the NY Islanders so that this event can be repeated in future years.

Bring your family and friends. Support this important effort by getting your discounted tickets to the game at www.chanukahislanders.com

The date of this years event is Motzei Shabbos, Dec. 12, 2009, the second night of Chanukah. Game time is 7:00pm.

Kosher food will be available to purchase at the game. There will also be a 50/50 raffle to benefit the Friendship Circle of West Hempstead.

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