Pop-Up Chanukah Center opening in Park Slope

The Pop-Up Chanukah Center, opening from Dec. 14 – Dec. 24, is the first of its kind in the trendy Park Slope neighborhood. Housed at the corner of 7th Ave and President Street, it will be open for less than two weeks and will service the large Jewish community of Brownstone Brooklyn. It is being set up by Chabad of Park Slope and aims to be an all-inclusive center catering to the needs of all ages: having crafts and activities for children, selling Chanukah supplies and gifts, and hosting evening festivities for adults.

The brainchild of Rabbi Shimon Hecht, Rabbi of Congregation B’nai Jacob and President of Rabbinical Committee of Brownstone Brooklyn, the center’s aim is to promote Jewish awareness and to spread the message of Chanukah. “Chanukah symbolizes the triumph of freedom over tyranny and good over evil,” remarked Rabbi Hecht, “and in these dark times we want to spread that message of hope. The lighting of the Menorah recognizes one of the world’s greatest truths, that a little light overpowers much darkness.”

The prominent location, generously provided by Berman Realty, will be home to the makeshift center for just under two weeks. In that time Rabbi Menashe Wolf, the organizer of the Pop-Up Center, hopes to engage a diverse crowd of Jews that would not otherwise have any association with the festival. “In today’s society, people aren’t connecting with the traditional institutions and Synagogues,” said Rabbi Wolf, who is a recent addition to the Chabad team, “and we are working to keep Judaism relevant.”

Beyond servicing those that need to buy last minute Chanukah supplies and gifts, Wolf wants to engage people. “We want it to be a place where Jews of all type can sit around, participate in discussions and grow. We will be serving free hot latkes and coffee, and have created a comfortable space for people to hang out.”

Rabbi Wolf, who hails from Australia and has lived in Park Slope for a year, invites everyone to stop by with their families to taste the delicious latkes and partake in the activities and crafts. When asked how he feels about opening the center, Rabbi Wolf answered, “I am really looking forward to meeting a lot of new people and am excited to see the community’s response to this project.”

For more information call Rabbi Menashe Wolf: 347-957-1291

or email: chanukahpopup@chabadparkslope.com