Over 300 community members gathered with tremendous Jewish pride for the Chabad of Briarwood Menorah Lighting and Car Menorah Parade on the first night of Chanukah, Wednesday, December 25. The celebration began at Hoover Manton Park shortly after 5 p.m., where Rabbi Dovi and Chani Steinmetz, co-directors of Chabad of Briarwood, hosted a spectacular event filled with light, joy, and unity.
In addition to the menorah lighting at Hoover Manton Park, the Steinmetzes ensured the light of Chanukah was spread throughout Briarwood with menorahs placed at key intersections along Main Street: at Union Turnpike near Parkway Village and at Queens Boulevard at the edge of the Queens Gate Mall green space.
Briarwood – a quiet, hilly, residential neighborhood – provided a picturesque backdrop for the festivities. Known for its blend of suburban charm and urban convenience, this enclave is where Queens Boulevard begins to widen, with a center island separating the directions of travel. This defining feature of the boulevard is commemorated by the aptly named Queens Gate, a park at the intersection of Main Street and Queens Boulevard. With the E and F subway lines offering easy access, Briarwood became a hub of Jewish pride and celebration for the evening.
The program featured live music by DJ Adam, a thrilling fire show, and delicious doughnuts to energize attendees for the highlight of the evening: the festive car menorah parade. Fifty brightly lit cars, each adorned with menorahs and decorations, joined the parade. Led by Queens Shmira and Rabbi Steinmetz, the procession brought the warmth and spirit of Chanukah through the heart of Briarwood, filling the streets with light and joy.
During the menorah lighting ceremony, Rabbi Dovi Steinmetz, a Brooklyn native with s’michah from Chabad’s Crown Heights headquarters, delivered a powerful message about the enduring lessons of Chanukah.
Chani Steinmetz, a native of Yerushalayim and an experienced educator fluent in four languages, played a key role in ensuring the event was welcoming and meaningful for all attendees. With over a decade of experience working with individuals of diverse needs, including her time at Brooklyn’s Chush and Yeshivah of Flatbush elementary schools, Chani brought warmth, organization, and a personal touch to the evening. Together with their four children, the Steinmetzes are deeply dedicated to fostering Jewish pride and connection in the Briarwood community.
The evening concluded with heartfelt gratitude. Rabbi Steinmetz gave special thanks to Queens Shmira, led in part by me, for ensuring the safety of the event, and to the NYPD Community Affairs officers for their support.
“This parade isn’t just a celebration of Chanukah,” shared one participant. “It’s a powerful way to bring light to the streets of Briarwood, show our Jewish pride, and unite as a community. This menorah lighting surpassed tradition and stood as a testament to the resilience and unity of Jews throughout history.”
Under the leadership of Rabbi Dovi and Chani Steinmetz, the Chabad of Briarwood Menorah Lighting and Car Parade has become a cherished annual tradition. This year’s event once again embodied the core message of Chanukah: the power of unity, faith, and perseverance to brighten even the darkest nights.
