By Yehuda Meir Horowicz. The theme of Chanukah is to express our gratitude to Hashem for the miracles that took place on the Chanukah of long ago, and to generalize this feeling of appreciation to all the “miracles” that constitute our lives today. This sentiment of appreciation was certainly felt on the second night of Chanukah when the annual HASC Center Chanukah Mesibah took place in the heart of Boro Park. In some respects, it was no different than the hundreds of Mesibos that took place throughout Chanukah in Shuls, Batei Medrashim, Yeshivos and at family gatherings. There were the traditional culinary delights, Singing, dancing and a featured performance by Yanky Hertz together with the amazing dancing and Ruach provided by The Tanzers for both men and women . On the other hand, it was extraordinary and truly elicited an expression of Tov L’Hodos LaShem.
What one witnessed was several hundred individuals, some with developmental disabilities, others with physical handicaps, and yet others on the autism spectrum, all joined together with administrators, managers, coordinators and counselors in a traditional celebration of Chanukah. Upon deeper introspection, the reason for gratitude can be attributed to the exceptional programs and homes that have clearly enhanced and advanced the lives of so many who would otherwise be neglected and dismissed from the festivities of Chanukah.
Instead, it was clearly evident that light has been brought to places where darkness existed and the potential of one day’s oil lasting for eight days is a reality that can be seen through the realization of the potential that exists within each special-needs child and individual. Following the theme of gratitude, the beautiful event was immeasurably enhanced by the representation of June, owner of Junee and her employees. They distributed thoughtful and personalized Chanukah gifts, as they do every year. To see the smiles and reaction of the individuals was akin to the light and glow of the menorah. However, they did not simply distribute the gifts; they actively participated in the dancing and greatly enhanced the Ruach of the evening.
The event was coordinated by The Friedlander Group, and also graced by the presence of Abe Eisner, president of the HASC Center Board of Directors, Deputy Consul General of Israel in NYC, Israel Nitzan, State Senator Simcha Felder, Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein, Councilman Kalman Yeger, Alex Gurevich representing Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, Pinchus Hikind representing City Comptroller Scott Stringer, Assemblyman David Weprin, Pinny Ringel representing Mayor Bill de Blasio,Saul Stein member of Community Board 14, and Candidate for Civil Court Judge, Assistant Chief NYPD Brooklyn south chief Brian J. Conroy, NYPD Lieutenant Ira Jablonsky.
Any parent of an individual who attended the HASC Center Chanukah Mesibah was overjoyed and gave gratitude to Hashem for the accomplishments of their children and for the Simchas Hachaim they exhibited at this event. As we all know the Shamash serves all the other candles. It is the one that is raised above. Even though the Shamash is elevated above all, its only purpose is to serve the other candles by giving them light and igniting their flame. The staff at HASC Center is our Shamash. The individuals we serve are the beautiful candles that shine so bright and illuminate our lives. Even though the Shamash may seem to be elevated above the other candles, our only purpose is to light up the flame, the Neshamos of our individuals. We support the other candles and through this support we ourselves become elevated. This is our purpose at HASC Center. This Chanukah Mesibah visualized to all that our purpose was achieved.
[Press Release]
