Brooklyn Borough President Hosts Chanukah Menorah Lighting Ceremony at Boro Park JCC

By M.C. Millman

 Brooklyn Borough President Reynoso joined the Boro Park JCC for an afternoon Chanukah Menorah Lighting Celebration on Thursday, December 22.

Avi Greenstein, BPJCC’s CEO, introduced the afternoon by sharing an inspirational Chanukah thought on how a single candle can light an unending number of lights without the original flame losing any of its light as an example of how one doesn’t lose by paying it forward.

BPJCC Board President Issac Stern spoke about the BPJCC as an “office that brings light to the darkest situations people find themselves.” 

He also spoke about the quality of the staff at the BPJCC, who, as part of the community, care deeply about the tens of thousands they serve.

Rabbi Yechiel Kaufman, Rav of Anshei Sfard of Boro Park, shared words of inspiration on bringing out the light by saying, “Yes, I can.” 

Attendees at the ceremony who also shared a few words included New York Attorney General Letitia James, Councilmembers Kalman Yeger, Lincoln Restler, Rita Josef, and Elexa Aviles, as well as Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams and Gideon Taylor, JCRC-NY CEO. 

The event's highlight was when Holocaust survivor Moshe Sporn made the brachos and lit the silver menorah along with Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. 

Fidelis Care Vice President of Marketing and Sales, George Rodriguez, was awarded an honorary plaque thanking him for his tremendous support of the BPJCC over the years. 

The BPJCC also shared the news that the lobby at the BPJCC will be dedicated in honor of Elite Home Health Care for their strong support of the Boro Park community. The dedication took place after the Chanukah event.

“The event was a tremendous success for the Brooklyn Borough President and for all of Boro Park,” Greenstein shared with BoroPark24, “in large part due to the efforts of Jacob Eisdorfer, liaison of Brooklyn Borough President Reynoso, and Ushi Teitelbaum, Director of BPJCC’s Community Government Affairs, who coordinated and led this very successful event.”

Photos by: Achim Lenchvesky