Hallandale Beach came alive on the 22nd of December with the sounds of vibrant Jewish music. Over 10,000 people on three floors and three balconies of the overflowing Gulfstream Park and Casino participated.
Avraham Fried sang for 90 minutes, featuring many of his Hebrew and English hits. He was joined by his New York musicians and the Yossy Bayles Orchestra. Hundreds participated in the grand finale of the concert with intense and lively dancing – diverse Jews brought together in simcha and unity.
Rabbi Cantor Yossi Lebovics led the menorah-lighting ceremony that included Rabbi Abraham Korf, Florida’s head shliach, and scores of community leaders. Over 3,000 gift bags were distributed by the students of Chaya Aydel Seminary to the thousands of boys and girls in attendance.
Festival coordinator Rabbi Levi Tennenhaus has taken the festival to new heights in the past few years. He was assisted by Rabbi Mordy Feiner, Rabbi Moshe Schwartz, Mendy Schwartz, Rabbi Mendy Tennenhaus, scores of volunteers, and Chaya Aydel Seminary students.
Rabbi Raphael Tennenhaus expressed the hope that “the 36th Annual South Florida Chassidic Chanukah Festival, the largest Chanukah festival in the world, takes place next year in Yerushalayim, with Mashiach, now.”