Queens Park’s First Public Menorah

Rabbi Mendy and Chaya Hecht of Chabad of Forest Hills North hosted in conjunction with Anshe Sholom Chabad JCC the first ever public menorah lighting on Yellowstone Park in North Forest Hills on the last night of Chanukah.

Well over 200 attended from all over NY including Long Island, Brooklyn and even from other states like Connecticut coming all the way to take part in this historic event.

It started with the giant Menorah Lighting together with City officials, Rabbis and friends of Chabad FHN on the main avenue.

In attendance were Rabbi Pollack – representing congresswoman Grace Meng, Deputy Inspector Judith Harrison, commanding officer from the 112th NYPD Precinct, Rabbi Mordechai Hecht of Congregation Anshe Sholom Chabad JCC – Chabad Forest Hills, and Rabbi Mendy Hecht of Chabad of Forest Hills North.

Surrounded by onlookers from apartment buildings as well as the,hundreds around the giant Menorah with glow in the dark sticks in their hand, Rabbi Mendy Hecht said the blessings and lit the first candle giving the City officials, Rabbis and community members the honors of lighting the remaining 7.

Live music was played with singing and dancing while all stood in awe of this amazing sight that was never before in the neighborhood.

Rabbi Mordechai Hecht spoke words of inspiration, remarking how this event is truly one of a kind in Forest Hills, and thanking Rabbi Mendy and Chaya Hecht for their great work.

Rabbi Mendy Hecht read a letter from the Lubavitcher Rebbe specifically sent for public lighting’s about the importance of spreading light in this dark world. He then concluded by mentioning the unfortunate string of fires in Forest Hills North Jewish Community. They being negative fires, our mission is to light up the positive fires of Torah and Mitzvot. This way we will push away that darkness as well as the terrible darkness of terror that strikes us throughout the world especially in Israel, and take this light with usthroughout our lives.

He then thanked all for coming and making this such a success.

A special thanks was given to the Fischman family and Friends of Chabad FHN for donating this beautiful giant menorah to last for years to come.

Everyone was invited into the park to watch an amazing magic show while they munched on fresh delicious top of the line jelly donuts and drinks.

The event concluded with a grand raffle and an edible dreidel craft to go, and all went home thrilled, awaiting their next amazing event on the calendar by Chabad Forest Hills North.

A special Thanks to Rabbi Mordechai Hecht for his support in making this a great success. Thanks to the NYPD 112th Precinct for securing the event and the NYC Parks Department.