A large community contingent attended Chabad of Rego Park’s menorah lighting at Federoff Triangle on Sunday, December 29. An LED menorah topped off with jugs of oil shined on the fifth night of Chanukah at the plaza by 67th Avenue.
Rabbi Eli Blokh of Chabad of Rego Park quoted the Jewish sages how the fifth night of Chanukah never coincides with Shabbos. The Shabbos candles illuminate the inside of a home and the Chanukah candles the outside. “The fifth night never gets that chance.” Sometimes we feel that things are “so dark, there’s no way it could get better, right? That not even the candles of Shabbos can make the world a better place. And Chanukah says, ‘Wait, wait, I got this. I can do this for you.’”
Last year, three months after October 7, anti-Semitism was high. “Right now, we’re in a different place. We’re in a better place.” We want the hostages home immediately “but short of that, we’ve seen how much can change in a year.”
“While we saw what the Israeli Army is capable of; we also saw what Jewish unity is capable of.” Jews are not united as often as they should be, said Rabbi Blokh. “It wasn’t perfect but we did it well.”
Chanukah unites and brings us to “that thing we have in common. The ability of spreading light, goodness, and G-dliness into this world, and we need to remember that.”
Chanukah is about the renewal of the Temple and education, said Rabbi Blokh. The Chanukah gelt given to children during this time of year is not an extra allowance, “but really to educate them.” We teach them what Chanukah is about and “tell them that they can make a difference when they see money as a vehicle for change, for making the world a better place. That is education.”
“Part of getting for yourself is also that you are responsible and have the incredible opportunity of making somebody else’s life better.”
Rabbi Blokh handed out $2 bills “because the number two reminds you that there’s a double purpose in every dollar.” Another person added an extra dollar to each child. Rabbi Blokh asked for that third dollar to be given to charity.

“The Jewish Juggler,” Shneur Smith, twirled fire. He juggled pins, knives, and fire - three each time. The children oohed and ahhed in delight from a safe distance.
A group of young Chabadniks and others danced in a circle singing “Mashiach, Mashiach.” Latkes and jelly doughnuts were given out.
City Councilwoman Lynn Schulman and Pesach Osina, a Community Engagement Officer with the Speaker of the New York City Council, attended, but did not make public speeches.

Community Affairs Police Officers Keith Tuohey and Christopher DeSantis from the 112 Precinct provided security for the evening.
By David Schneier