This past Sunday, Cunningham Park was the site of the third annual Light Up The Night - Community Chanukah Celebration for the Jamaica Estates, Hillcrest, Holliswood, Hollis Hills, and Fresh Meadows areas. The idea was launched three years ago by Rabbi Shmuel Kogan, a Jamaica Estates resident. The rabbi desired to create an annual event that brings together the over 12 shuls in the Jamaica Estates and surrounding areas for Chanukah.
This year, the event featured international singing sensation Nissim Black, the incredible music of DJ AHAVA, aka Ariel Katz, as well as a grand Chanukah menorah lighting held at Cunningham Park with an over 12-foot menorah! Participants were treated to doughnuts, T-shirts, prizes, and other giveaways.
In a special presentation at the start of the program, children from each shul repeated p’sukim from the Torah out loud for the crowd to repeat. The pasuk of Torah was led by David Kaykov, Elliot Yushuvayev, Eliana Aminov of Ganeinu, Shema featured Daniel Haim, David Itshakov of Bukharian Chai Hebrew School, B’Chol was read by Eyal Yosef Hiaeve of the Bukharian Jewish Center of Jamaica Estates, Kol Yisroel was read by Yona Canter of the Young Israel of Jamaica Esates, Ki Karov featured the voice of Anshei Shalom’s Aviel Moussaieff, V’hinie was said by Emily Daniel from the Young Israel of Holliswood, and the pasuk of Breishis was read by House Of Torah congregants Emily Shimunov, Menachem Mendel Kogan, and Sheneeur Zalman Kogan.
“All in all, it was an incredible success, with over 1800 people coming, and we really brought the community together as one,” said Simcha Sommer, one of the organizers of the event. The event was spearheaded by Rabbi Kogan, Ariel Shimunov, Jacob Herskowitz, and Sommer. Make sure to mark your calendars for Sunday, December 18, 2022 for the fourth annual Community Chanukah Celebration!
By QJL Staff
