Bronx Jewish Center Chanukah Celebration

Bronx Jewish Center Chanukah Celebration

By Robert Press

While other events were cancelled due to the bad weather, inside the Bronx Jewish Center located on Pelham Parkway it was storytelling, singing, and plenty of holiday food for almost two-hundred people who came to celebrate the Jewish Holiday of Chanukah. Rabbi Saadia Pewzner introduced the three elected officials who came to join in the celebration. Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, State Senator Gustavo Rivera, and Congressman Ritchie Torres. It was Congressman Torres who spoke of his support of the Jewish State of Israel, adding that the terrorist group Hamas must be eradicated if there is to be lasting peace in the Gaza Strip where Iraelies and Palistinians can live in peace. 

Rabbi Pewzner Briefly told the story of Chanukah where oil meant to burn for one night lasted for eight nights, and that is why the Holiday of Chanukah goes on for eight days. The three elected officials then helped Rabbi Pewzner light the Menorah for the fourth day. Then it was time for music. Rabbi Pewzner introduced the Maccabeats, an American Orthodox all-male acapella group that have been in existence since 2007, and a fan favorite among Jewish people. After a long performance the Maccabeats took photos with members of the audience. Traditional Chanukah food was provided by the Bronx Jewish Center, and as people were leaving the rain stopped for a while. 

It was time to light the Menorah as Rabbi Pewzner received help from Congressman Ritchie Torres, Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, and State Senator Gustavo Rivera, lighting the four candles for the fourth day of Chanukah.

 

It was then time for the Maccabeats to perform.

After the Maccabeats finished singing they stayed for photos with members of the audience, like here with Rabbi Pewzner and two children.

 

(L – R) 49th Precinct Community Affairs Detective Hall, Commanding Officer Deputy Inspector Kentish, Rabbi Pewzner, The Rabbi’s wife Nechama, Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, and Pelham Parkway Neighborhood Association President Steven Gloser.