On Monday, December 18, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz celebrated the fourth night of Chanukah, the Jewish festival of lights, by helping to light the 25-foot-tall Rabbi Jacob J. Hecht Menorah, the largest in Brooklyn. Rabbi Aaron L. Raskin of Congregation B'nai Avraham in Brooklyn Heights and Brooklyn Papers editor Gersh Kuntzman lit the menorah from the basket of a cherry picker.

Those assembled were treated to two original Chanukah songs performed by cast members from the off-Broadway holiday musical revue "That Time of the Year,” as well as a performance by one-man band Dovid Eltein. Borough President Markowitz gave away gelt and invited revelers into Brooklyn Borough Hall for traditional Chanukah fare of latkes and doughnuts.

“Chanukah is a holiday that commemorates freedom from oppression—and we are very fortunate in Brooklyn to enjoy a freedom that so many millions around the world still seek,” said Borough President Markowitz. “I pray every day that we can bestow upon our children the acceptance around the world that we are all children of one almighty.”

The menorah lighting event was a joint program of the Borough President's Office, Congregation B'nai Avraham, and Chabad of Brooklyn Heights. Refreshments were generously provided by the Chabad of Brooklyn Heights, Mill Basin Deli, Schick’s Bakery of Boro Park, and Chiffon Kosher Bakery of Midwood.