ד׳ טבת ה׳תשפ״ו | December 23, 2025

NYC Comptroller Lights Menorah at Chabad of Marine Park

More than 1,000 attendees gathered on Chanukah at Marine Park as Manhattan Borough President and incoming New York City Comptroller Mark Levine lit the Menorah and put on tefillin with Shliach Rabbi Levy Hendel.

The 5th Annual Menorah Lighting at Marine Park was a powerful and uplifting celebration of unity and Jewish pride, especially in light of the recent Sydney attack. More than 1,000 people attended, making it the largest annual event held at Marine Park, Brooklyn’s largest park.

The program began with children from various schools leading the recitation of the 12 Pesukim, marking 50 years since their launch. An interactive performance by The Twin from France captivated the young audience and kept the children thoroughly engaged.

This year’s Guest of Honor was Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, who was recently elected New York City Comptroller and is set to assume office next week.

Rabbi Levy Hendel of Chabad of Marine Park invited Levine onto a Mitzva Tank—his first time ever visiting one—where he also put on tefillin. Levine was deeply moved after watching a video of the Rebbe addressing then–NYC Comptroller Goldin in 1989, in which the Rebbe emphasized the unique responsibility of the Comptroller, even more so than that of the Mayor of New York City.

Photo Credits: Alex Gorkhov