Chanukah Celebrations at the Young Israel of Long Beach Sheds Light amidst Darkness

 The Young Israel of Long Beach celebrated Chanukah with great festivity and excitement.  The focal point of the celebration revolved around the 1st Chanukah Shabbaton conducted by the Young Israel of Long Beach in conjunction with the Jackson Hotel.  All of the meals, which reflected both a heimish taam and display of culinary artistry were served at the Jackson Hotel.  During the Friday night Oneg Assemblyman Dov Hikind who was introduced by the Morah D’osrah, Rabbi Dr. Chaim Wakslak, spoke about the circumstances world Jewry in light of the recent developments in Eretz Yisroel. At the Shabbos afternoon meal the Shabbaton guests were treated to a passionate talk by Shani Hikind who spoke about the true meaning of Yerushalayim under the auspices of Am Yisroel.

The Young Israel of Long Beach served as the venue for the Shabbos Chanukah teffilos lead by Shlomie Dachs. Shlomie’s warmth combined with his gifted and melodious voice captured the spirit of  the congregation resulting in an exceptional experience filled with ruach and joy.  Rabbi Wakslak’s drasha explicated the hidden meaning of Chanukah as suggested based on an analysis of Parshas Miketz.  The entire shul then proceeded to the social hall to enjoy a delightful Kiddush sponsored by the YILB sisterhood.  During Shalos Seudos the annual YILB siyum mishnayos took place with a true appreciation of what a concerted communal effort can accomplish.

In addition, Rabbi Wakslak and the YILB membership continued their long standing tradition of a public Chanukah candle lighting in front of the four kosher food establishments in Long Beach which are under the Kashrus supervision of the Vaad of South Shore.  On specifically designated evenings many of the members and their children gather in front of the designated location with the intention of publicizing the nes of Chanukah.  On the first night of Chanukah the lighting took place in front of Shop Glatt Mart which graciously provided latkes and other delicacies to all the assembled. On Motzaei Shabbos there was a candle lighting in front of Country Boy Bakery which served hot cocoa and jelly donuts, Sunday night in front of Maxx’s Glatt Kosher Deli where sizzling hot potato latkes were served and on the last night in front of Pizza Pious.  Each event included singing and dancing in honor of Chanukah.

On Sunday afternoon the YILB social hall was converted into a Chanukah carnival extravaganza.  The YILB youth department decorated the room, constructed game booths, created a food court and hosted a Live Game Show where the “contestants” demonstrated their knowledge of Chanukah its’ history, laws and customs.