Thousands at Goldstream Park Chanukah Event

HALLANDALE BEACH, FL [CHI] — A record breaking number of 10,000 people, as estimated by the police, filled the Gulfstream Park of Hallandale Beach, Florida, to join a huge Chanukah party held for the 28th year in a row.

More pictures in the Extended Article! (Photos By: Eli Kahan)

The crowd was entertained by Chassidic singer Avrohom Fried, the Kinderlach and a talented six year old pianist named Ethan Bortnick. In an interview the Shliach, Rabbi Raphael Tennenhaus spoke about the secret of success of this event that has become the largest Chanukah event in the world. Aside of explaining the fact by referring to the nice weather at this time of the year, compared to other places, a massive advertising campaign and the gradual growth from year to year, which began a few decades ago with the attendance of only 1000 Jews, mostly elderly.

Annual blessings from the Rebbe and a bottle of ‘Mashke’ received from the Rebbe 20 years ago by a member of the community also has a lot to do with the success of the event.