Brighton's Hanukkah Lights - A Miracle Near Us
Brighton's Hanukkah Lights - A Miracle Near Us
Hanukkah is a holiday of light, faith, and wonder, a reminder that even in the darkest times, it only takes a spark to ignite hope.
And it is with this light that the Chanukiah has been illuminating Brighton Beach for many years, designed over 20 years ago by the talented Odessa-born architect and Holocaust survivor, the esteemed Yakov Friedman. Many residents and visitors to the area are familiar with the spot near Chase Bank, where the Hanukkah Menorah has stood for many years as a symbol of resilience, tradition, and Jewish identity. This was made possible thanks to the initiative and tireless work of Yakov Friedman and his associates, the Okunev brothers, whose brainchild—the Menorah on Brighton—is lit not only here but also in various neighborhoods of Brighton, including near the Western Wall at 4 Brighton. Although, miraculously, Hanukiahs are now being lit in various countries, even in Ukraine. And it is also truly miraculous that a Western Wall inlaid with Jerusalem stone sent from Israel has appeared on the wall of the Chabad Oceanview Jewish Center synagogue. It is like a living spiritual connection with Jerusalem, with the history and prayer of the Jewish people.
So remember, if your soul is crying out for help, come to 3100 Brighton 4th Street in Brighton. Everyone is welcome here, they distribute holiday food right on the street, and they don't ask what religion you belong to.
Enormous credit for this goes to Rabbi David Okunev, the spiritual leader of the center, a man of deep faith and a big heart, who, together with Chana and Yakov Lipovetsky, managed to transform the Jewish Center
Chabad Oceanview Jewish Center has become a true hub of Jewish life. Dmitry Berezovsky and other worthy individuals provided significant support, and dedicated volunteers, especially Mikhail Paller, helped create a warm, almost family-like atmosphere. A huge thank you to our sponsors. May the hand of the giver never be empty! This year's Hanukkah celebration was truly unforgettable. Guests were treated to a stunning concert hosted by the talented showman and radio journalist Mikhail Braslavsky, beloved by listeners and eagerly awaited by his programs. Jewish songs were performed on stage by professional singer Semyon Shusterman, who performed at the Kharkiv Opera House and other theaters before the war.
The prayer was performed with particular trepidation by the cantor, opera singer Yuri Viderman. The violin of Yaroslav Belgorodsky sounded stunning.
Ari Kagan, a well-known public figure and senior adviser to Senator Chen, delivered welcoming remarks. Assemblyman Alec Brook-Krasny presented certificates of honor to Rabbai David Okunev, Dmitry Berezovsky, Mikhail Braslavsky, and others.
In these difficult times, events like these, concerts, and candlelight vigils are incredibly meaningful for everyone, bringing us together. And in these moments, we come together as one family, singing along, clapping, and remembering. The evening's culmination was the lighting of the enormous Menorah at the Western Wall on Brighton 4th Street—a moment filled with special light, prayer, and unity.
And how beautifully Rabbi David Okunev sang and prayed! How they danced, hand in hand, around the Menorah!
Afterwards, guests were treated to a magnificent Hanukkah banquet and concert, in which even young virtuoso violinists took part, reminding them that the tradition lives on and continues in our children.
It was incredible. It was a true Hanukkah miracle.
Marina Lagunova
