The Russian-Jewish community of Brighton Beach and environs took part and enjoyed four Channuka events at FREE Center of Brighton Beach. Some 500 community people, young and old, were thrilled at the “Welcome Channukah” concert featuring Cantor Abraham Pressman, of Israel, and the award-winning M-Generation Boys Choir.
They also enjoyed the public outdoor daily menorah lightings at Coney Island and Brighton Beach Avenues. Hot latkes, donuts and l’chaim were distributed to all; live music and dancing warmed up the cold nights. Dignitaries and prominent members of the Russian-Jewish community lit the menorah candles each night while Channukah gelt and dreidels were distributed to the kids.
Over 1,000 folks participated in the event notwithstanding the rain on two of the evenings. Menorahs, candles and holiday brochures were distributed to those attending. “I was really proud to stand outside even in the rain to take part in the lighting of the menorah,” said Misha. “It was something that I never dreamt possible in my hometown in Russia.”
In the third event, Lubavitch yeshiva students rang doorbells, visiting locals in the area to hand them menorahs, candles and holiday brochures. Some 150 students took part in the Channukah gift distribution program. Among the recipients were the homebound elderly.
Finally, there was the “Chanukah Light” Fundraising Party that featured an elegant buffet dinner, a performance by the M-Generation Boys Choir and an art show plus an auction. The event was enjoyed by all.
Honored at the Art Show
At the art show event, several individuals were honored for their
commitment to the strengthening and support of Russian Jewry here and FREE’s multi-faceted programs. Among them were Mr. and Mrs. Alex Balanevsky, who received the Maccabbee Award for outstanding contributions this year, as well as Mr. and Mrs. Igor Kleynman and Mr. and Mrs. Slava Greenberg, who won the Menorah Award for their continued support over the years.
Honored too were Gena and Irene Shafir as well as Igor and Milana Feldman. The ladies won the Yehudis Award for their ongoing leadership as women in the community.
The art show and auction was lauded as a big success. Displayed and auctioned off were works of art by renown Jewish artists. Many were brought in by members of the audience. “It was a beautiful evening, and I’m very happy that I came out here with my family from Staten Island because this synagogue is definitely our home,” said Arkady G.
Meanwhile Irena Buchman, who held her three newly purchased works of art said, “The art show was a great idea. I never realized there were so many types of good Jewish art available.”
