A Corona-bottle menorah at Bushwick Chabad’s recent Hanukkah service.
Photo by Aaron Short for BushwickBK

Rabbi Menachem Heller knew that his Bushwick Chabad, tucked into a tiny Flushing Avenue storefront at The Loom, was going to be too small to host a Hanukkah party. So he did what a Rabbi is supposed to do on Hanukkah — call a friend with a bigger space.

What? You thought we were going to say pray for a miracle?

Heller called Green Fitness Studio‘s Barry Bergen who pushed a dozen cardio machines into a corner in the gym’s multipurpose room and put together a Hanukkah party for 50 people who snacked on vegan latkes, sushi, and cans of Budweiser last week.

Chabad-Lubavitch is a Hasidic missionary movement that seeks to bring non-practicing Jews into its fold. They believe this will help bring the return of the Messiah.

That the Chabad’s congregation has grown steadily over the past year in a foothold occupied by artists and working industry is something closer to a miracle.

	Rabbi Menachem Heller of the Bushwick Chabad offers a latke. (Aaron Short/BushwickBK)

Heller’s flock has traveled from holding Shabbat services in the basement of the Opera House Lofts on Arion Place three years ago to another temporary site off Boerum Street, to opening its first permanent space at The Loom last Rosh Hashanah, when 20 people attended services.

This Rosh Hashanah, about 50 people attended each of the high holy days. The crowd mostly consisted of 20- and 30-somethings and a mix of Orthodox Lubavitchers and Jews who grew up in Reform and Conservative households.

"They’re all open minded and honest with themselves," said Heller, describing the typical Chabad congregant. "In Bushwick, there’s no shtick."

Guests were greeted to the Hanukkah spread and a menorah made of empty Corona Light bottles — which was Heller’s wife Chana’s idea.

"We go through a lot of beer so I thought we could use them to make a menorah," said Heller. "I like to work with whatever I have."

Several participants said they came to the Chabad for the special events such as the Hanukkah party or last year’s (apparently) infamous Purim party.

David Herbert used to go to the Williamsburg Chabad before coming to the Bushwick one when he found out it existed.

"I like the environment a little better," said Herbert, who said 80 percent of the people who attended the Hanukkah party were new to the Chabad.

Peter Weisman agreed, citing the "clash of cultures" among Jews, and, of course, the free food. He was preparing for a dreidel spinning rematch against Heller’s son.

"I wanted his son to win last year, but I kept winning," said Weisman. "His son was upset. Sorry about that."