By COLlive reporter
The media brought the lighting of the World’s Largest Chanukah Menorah in New York City on the first night of Chanukah, to the attention of hundreds of millions of people the world over.
The Guinness World Records certified Menorah stands proudly at New York’s most fashionable plaza, Fifth Avenue and 59th Street, by Central Park, between the Plaza and the Pierre Hotels.
The media outlets of CBS, NBC, ABC, PIX 11, I24 Israel, WOR Radio, WNBC Radio, WINS Radio, the Daily News were all there. Some even carried the proceedings live on their channels and Facebook.
Before Chanukah, the Associated Press (AP) ran a story on the Menorah which was sent to its thousands of affiliates the world over. The New York Times covered the World’s Largest Menorah two times before Chanukah.
This year New York celebrates the 40th anniversary of the World’s Largest Chanukah Menorah. In 1977, the first year of the World’s Largest Menorah, it was lighted by Mayor Abraham Beame and Senator Jacob K. Javits.
Designed by renowned artist Yaacov Agam, the 36-foot high, gold colored, 4,000 pound steel structure was inspired by a hand drawing by the Rambam of the original Menorah in the Holy Temple of Jerusalem.
Over the years the World’s Largest Menorah was also lighted by New York City Mayors Ed Koch, David Dinkins, Rudolph Giuliani, Michael Bloomberg and Bill de Blasio and Governors Mario Cuomo, George Pataki and David Paterson, Senator Charles Schumer, and many others.
On the first night of Chanukah, Rabbi Shmuel Butman, Director of Lubavitch Youth Organization, addressed the large crowd of participants and spoke of the uniqness of the this Menorah.
“The Menorah has the singular honor of standing in miniature on the desk of the Rebbe. The Rebbe personally approved the form of the Menorah. It was only after the Rebbe’s personal approval that the Menorah was built to its present dimensions.”
Talking about Chanukah in the world today, Rabbi Butman said that “the Rebbe lighted up the world with the candles of Chanukah and today there are 15,000 Chabad public Chanukah Menorahs all over the world.”
Before the World’s Largest Menorah was lighted Rabbi Butman said, “We thank the Rebbe for it is with his light, and with his light only, that we light this Menorah and all Menorahs.”
All weekday lightings are at 5:30 PM. Following each night’s Menorah lighting ceremony, hundreds will dance, sing and celebrate.
On Motzoei Shabbos, December 16th, the Grand Menorah Parade of over 300 Menorah vehicles will take place. The Parade will leave Luba itch World Headquarters at 6:00 PM and will pass by the World’s Largest Chanukah Menorah at approximately 9:00 PM.
On the Sunday, a special Chanukah celebration will take place with live music, singing and dancing, “Chanukah Gelt” for the children and hot “Latkes.”
The lighting schedule for the World’s Largest Chanukah Menorah is as follows:
Wednesday, December 13- 5:30 PM
Thursday, December 14, 5:30 PM
Friday, December 15 – 3:30 PM
Shabbos, Saturday, December 16 – 8:30 PM
Sunday, December 17 – 5:30 PM
Monday, December 18, – 5:30 PM
Tuesday, December 19- 5:30 PM
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thanks to chabad menorahs worldwide,especially the well covered ones such as this one, the talllest menorah in the world, jewish organizations of every stripe are proudly displaying lit menorahs.and jewish children everywhere are made proud of their heritage. how great is that!!! Moshiach now, please.
יישר כח to all involved & may we merit to greet משיח כאו!!
Beautiful to see and may the world light up to greet Moshiach.