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Community Corner

Brooklyn's Menorah Gets Lit

Borough President Marty Markowitz lights the menorah, and brings the revelers.

The second night of Chanukkah kicked off last night with a special lighting ceremony in front of the Supreme Court Building in downtown Brooklyn. Led by Rabbi Aaron L. Raskin of Congregation B'nai Avraham and Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz and featuring a live performance from a local children's choir, Brooklyn's official 29-foot menorah was lit in front of a few hundred spectators.

Holiday songs were played over the loudspeaker leading up to the ceremony as several of the spectators joined together to dance before Raskin took the podium. 

"Tonight, we rededicate ourselves to the purpose of education," said Raskin. "This isn't just math and science. It's also teaching our children that there are eyes that see and ears that here, and that there is one God watching over us."

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Raskin asked spectators to pray for Israel in the midst of the current forest fires in the the country before introducing Markowitz, who spoke about peace and unity.

"Regardless of your religion and regardless of where you come from, we're all in this life together," said Markowitz. "So, Happy Chanukkah to everyone, whether you're Jewish or not."

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Markowitz and state senator Daniel Squadron were assisted by Con Edison employees in lighting the 29-foot menorah as they were both lifted in a crane above the crowd.

The spectators were a mix of different religions, but several attending the ceremony spoke of the importance of the holiday season to them.

"No matter what you celebrate, it's an important time for families to be together and be grateful for what we have," said Park Slope resident Amanda Leish.

Many people in the crowd also had their own unique ways for celebrating the Festival of Light.

"My kids and I make sugar cookies shaped like dreidels every year, and they make the menorah that we light," said Brooklyn Heights resident Kate Silverstein. "It's important for me that the holidays are a family tradition and something we can share together."

The last night of Hanukkah is on December 8.



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