And in Brighton Chanukiah shines brightly

And in Brighton Chanukiah shines brightly
50 years have passed since the Lubavitcher Rebbe proposed, and with God’s help, this miracle happened, Menorahs began to be lit in the streets and squares. 40 years ago we began lighting the Menorah in Brighton, and our nine-meter-tall beautiful Menorah, the symbol of the victory of light over darkness, is already 25 years old.
 
The only non-removable, permanently installed Menorah in the United States, near CHASE BANK, was made by the talented architect Jacob Friedman. The Menorah has gas lamps and lasts eight days, which is very important, especially during this difficult time for Israel, the United States and Jews around the world. As Gabbay Isaac Lieberman said:
“Yes, we are a small but invincible people, and our faith helps us.”
The speeches of politicians were greeted with great interest and warmth. Ari Kagan noted in his speech: “We are a peace-loving people, but we must be able to defend ourselves, especially if terrorists come into the house to kill, and then demand not to give them change, then this is unacceptable.”
This wonderful idea of installing a Menorah in Brighton was realized thanks to the talented architect Yakov Friedman, a Holocaust survivor. For more than 25 years, he has been involved as a volunteer in the reconstruction, development and technical equipment of the synagogue. For example, he made the largest Sukkah, without a single nail, for the Sukkot holiday in the synagogue. He also writes beautiful poetry. Yes, the Jewish people produce such talented people!
Regarding the Great Hanukkiah project, Yakov is simultaneously
its author, architect, designer and performer. He made all the calculations for the stability of the Menorah in our difficult climate zone.
During the lighting of the Menorah, dozens of people with children and grandchildren come to the Menorah in Brighton, next to the CHASE bank, to hear music and try donuts. And how nice it was to see with what respect and love the parishioners of the synagogue spoke about the FREE synagogue on 6th Brighton, what respect the rabbis Hirsh Okunev and Aizik Lieberman enjoyed. Synagogue parishioners told what kind-hearted people Rabbis Hirsh Okunev and Aizik Liberman were, their children and family members. How they can support us in difficult times, how they remember their names, how they greet us in the synagogue, shake hands, how they rejoice at success, how happy they are when they get married, get married and have our children. It was nice to meet my friends: Evgeny Lekakh, Karina Polonskaya, Khaya Lipovetskaya, it’s impossible to list all my brothers and sisters who do a lot to preserve the history of our people. It has long been known that the Lord sends blessings to Jews who follow his commandments.
So the Menorah will shine all 8 holiday days. It is worth noting the great work done by David Okunev, the son of Rebbe Hirsh Okunev, who is doing everything possible to ensure that the lamps on the Menorah work well, given the difficult climatic conditions. In the evenings, the lights of Hanukkah remind you: no matter how dark and scary it is around, there will always be that one treasured jug, a clean vessel with oil. And a miracle will happen and bring warmth and kindness into the world.
As always, Rebbe Hirsh Okunev handed out dollars to the children. The children stood in anticipation of a miracle and joyfully, clutching a dollar from the rebbe in their hands, ran to their parents, who, holding them close, kissed their children and grandchildren. It's unforgettable!
Hanukkah Gelt, many adults remember when recalling their childhood. No one has forgotten that sweet donuts are an integral symbol of the holiday. And of course they were treated to children and adults. Many thanks to the police who protected us.
I thank the respected Asher Danilov for the wonderful real donuts made in Brighton at the Health is Well store, at 227 Brighton Beach Ave., which he treated my friends too.
May the holiday of light and goodness bring light, love and warmth to your hearts!

Marina Lagunova