Not the murder of his cousin by terrorists in Australia, the bitter cold, nor ice on the ground stopped Rabbi Mendy Hecht of Chabad of Forest Hills North from celebrating the first night of Chanukah with more than 150 people.
Rabbi Hecht is originally from Melbourne, Australia, where he was inspired by Chabad’s large Chanukah celebrations. His cousin, Rabbi Eli Schlanger, was a key organizer of Chanukah menorah lightings in Sydney, Australia. More than 1,000 people were on Bondi Beach when two terrorists shot dead 15 people and wounded more than 40 on Sunday, December 14. Rabbi Schlanger was the assistant rabbi serving the Bondi community with his wife, Chaya, for 18 years.
Before lighting the outdoor menorah in front of Yellowstone Park in Forest Hills, Rabbi Hecht said, “The Lubavitcher Rebbe often reminded us that this single light carries an enormous message: that even a tiny flame can push away a tremendous amount of darkness. You don’t need many candles to begin changing the world; you only need one.”
Rabbi Hecht said that the Maccabim didn’t wait until everything was perfect and holy after retaking the Beis HaMikdash. “They lit whatever they had, one small jar, and Hashem made it shine beyond all limitations. The Rebbe taught that this is our mission too: to do the good we can do right now, without waiting until we feel ready or until conditions feel ideal. When we add even one act of light, Hashem expands it infinitely.”
“The Rebbe emphasized again and again that Jewish pride must shine outward, not only inside our homes. When we kindle this first candle together, we are saying that light is meant to be shared, that every person, regardless of background, knowledge, or experience, has a flame that matters. And when one person’s light joins another’s, the darkness doesn’t stand a chance.”
“Add one mitzvah. One act of goodness. One gesture of kindness. One moment of Jewish connection. That one action can illuminate someone’s life and, ultimately, the whole world.”
Before saying the brachos, Rabbi Hecht said, “May this little light grow stronger with each passing day, and may the world shine with revealed goodness and miracles.”
Chabad.org sent out a statement quoting Rebbe Menachem Schneerson: “In the face of darkness, the way forward is to be more Jewish, act more Jewish, and appear more Jewish.”
City Councilwoman Lynn Schulman, Congresswoman Grace Meng, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards all spoke in support of the Jewish community following the day’s terrorist attack in Australia.
Lynn Schulman said, “We have to show that light will overtake darkness.” Schulman mentioned the Muslim fruit vendor who overpowered a terrorist and took his gun away while suffering two shots to his own arm. “It just shows that we have hope here, that we can all live together and be great with one another and be a light with one another.”
Congresswoman Grace Meng acknowledged the Jewish community’s fears but pledged to be an ally “to ensure your safety and the ability to continue to worship, and not to be attacked for who you are, what you believe in, and what you look like.”
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said that people should not be afraid to publicly celebrate Chanukah. “We are celebrating our holidays because that’s what we do. And if we don’t do it, who is?” The DA’s office is in contact with the NYPD and the Counterterrorism Unit “so that we can celebrate the way we want.”
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards mentioned the Holocaust memorial being built by Queens Borough Hall, saying, “‘Never forget’ means that every day, anytime we see anti-Semitism, it’s not just for you to speak up; it’s for your allies to speak up. Allies such as me are reminded of the Civil Rights Movement, how Blacks and Jews were intertwined, so our struggles are intertwined, and may we never forget.”
“That’s why we’ll always stand with this community through its challenges, through the good times and the bad times.”
The Borough President noted that a DNA test showed that he has three percent Sephardic Jewish ancestry. “I am your brother. We are all in this together.”
DJ Jordan Benjamin played European Jewish and Israeli Chanukah music. Interactive street breakdancers performed stunts and dance moves and later danced with children and two young Chabad men dressed as dreidels.
Chocolate gelt was thrown from a 30-foot-high Fire Department truck cherry-picker after the menorah with oil wicks was lit by Rabbi Hecht. The Manischewitz truck sold matzah ball soup, latkes, and other hot food. Abundant jelly doughnuts and Chanukah menorahs were handed out. Queens Shmira and the NYPD provided security for the evening.
By David Schneier
