By NEIL ZOLOT
WAKEFIELD — Chabad of Wakefield Rabbi Sruly Brook deemed its first Jewish Festival on the shores of Lake Quannapowitt a success Sunday afternoon, August 10.
“What a beautiful sight it was to see everyone in the heart of Wakefield for our first festival, especially when anti-Semitism is rising,” he said. “In the face of anti-Semitism, the Jewish answer has never been to back down, but respond with light and pride to give a message of unity and caring. We have to fight hate with love and this was one way to do it.”
“What the Chabad here has accomplished in a short time is nothing short of miraculous,” Brook’s uncle, Swampscott Chabad Rabbi and Regional Director of Chabad of the North Shore Yossi Lipsker feels.”They’re not receding from anti-Semitism and are regrounding themselves in their primary mission to share the light and love of the Jewish tradition.”
“I was intrigued there was an event like this in Wakefield,” resident Kara Cohen said. “I value diversity and want to support events that highlight diversity in our community. It’s great to see such a good turnout on such a hot day.”
Chabad member and Wakefield resident Alan Minsky called the event “a nice small festival to bring people together in the area.”
Brook’s in-laws Chana and David Kugel drove up from Brooklyn to attend. They’ve visited Brook and their daughter Devora before and like Wakefield. “We took a walk around the lake and it’s beautiful,” Chana said. “The town seems like a nice and happy place to raise a family.”
The Festival featured face painting, a bouncy house and a foam path for children, vendors and the Klezniks playing klezmer in the historic bandstand.
“We’re honored to play here,” Klezniks member Fred Preffer said. “It’s great to see everyone here enjoying the festival. Considering what’s going on, it’s nice.”
Chabad of Beverly and Salem will be holding a similar event at Salem State University Sunday, September 7.