Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, was made a bit brighter on Thursday night at the third annual CTeen Jewish Heritage Night at the Brooklyn Barclays Center.
Thousands of people—with over 100 teens from four Bergen County CTeen chapters, from Franklin Lakes, Teaneck, Woodcliff Lake and Tenafly, as well as over 30 CTeen chapters from across the tri-state area—packed the seats of Brooklyn’s premier sports stadium and were treated to a star-studded event that featured acclaimed Jewish superstar Yoni Z., a rabbis vs. teens half-time game, and of course, the lighting of the famous basketball menorah.
Teens were treated to extra perks throughout the game including on-court ball delivery, pre-game national anthem buddies and a halftime game against their CTeen chapter rabbis.
The Nets game was on one of at least 17 professional sports teams around North America to host Chanukah menorah lightings and parties this year. The event was not just about the fun and celebration of Chanukah; for many of those in attendance, this event was a symbol of hope during trying times.
“This basketball game was an amazing opportunity; to see so many other Jewish teens coming together on the holiday really makes me feel proud of who I am,” said James Suponitzkiy from Montvale.
Lighting large menorahs in public places, including at sports arenas and stadiums, is a part of the Chanukah campaign set into motion in 1973 by the Lubavitcher Rebbe—Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory.
The high energy event included Chanukah greetings from Nets players during the game, an abundance of kosher food, and an overwhelming sense of Jewish pride that impacted every audience member. Many of the teens got to participate in the High-Five Line as well as a pre-game rabbi vs. teen game on the court. During a time when the world is filled with so much darkness, this event was an opportunity to shine a bright light on the miracles that surround us every day.
“The real miracle of Chanukah was this event,” shared Joy Gruenberg, freshman from Westwood. “The fact that we’re here, in Brooklyn, with thousands of other Jews, lighting a menorah during a basketball game? It doesn’t get any better than this.”
Valley Chabad Teen Leadership Initiative provides many volunteering, social and community service opportunities to local Jewish teens. To learn more visit ValleyChabad.org/teen or call (201)476.0157.
