The borough's largest menorah was lit up Sunday to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah.
Hundreds of people sang and prayed in Grand Army Plaza during the kickoff concert. The event, organized by Rabbi Shimon Hecht and the Chabad in Brooklyn, also featured latkes and little menorahs being handed out to get people in the holiday spirit.
Many at the event say Hanukkah is a celebration of the resiliency, strength and enduring hope of the Jewish people.