On the first night of Chanukah, thousands of people gathered at Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn to witness the lighting of The Largest Menorah.
1200 lights were given out in memory of the 1200 Jews murdered on October 7th. Hot latkes and hot cocoa kept everyone warm.
The special highlight was Guest Star IDF paratrooper Noam Buskila who brought with him from the Israel border with Lebanon a special spirit. His music was full of heart and super uplifting. Talya Max, a local resident who just happened to be walking by said “This made me feel so good. It’s the most meaningful Chanukah that I’ve had in a long time.”
The event included special prayers for the wounded and hostages in Israel. Rabbi Shimon Hecht, the regional director of Chabad of Park Slope, sponsors of the yearly event, urged the attendees to increase their acts of kindness and charity in the face of darkness.
Among the dignitaries who attended the event were New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, who spoke of his support for the Jewish community and his commitment to fighting antisemitism and hate crimes. Rebecca Saidlower, Executive Director of Community Mobilizers and Brooklyn, represented the Shine a Light on Antisemitism and spoke of their important initiatives in NYC and around the country.
Honored with lighting the giant, LED lit, steel menorah was Acting Counsel General of Israel in NY, Tsach Saar. He beautifully made the three blessings and kindled the first candle to illuminate the world with light.
The menorah has been a symbol of Jewish pride and identity in Brooklyn since 1985, and has attracted millions of visitors over the years.
The Largest Menorah will continue to light up the night sky until the end of Chanukah on December 14, 2023. The remaining nights will feature more music, gifts for the children and festivities for the whole family.
2023 Menorah Lighting Times:
2nd Night of Chanukah, Friday, December 8 at 3:30 pm
3rd Night of Chanukah, Saturday, December 9 at 7:15 pm
4th Night of Chanukah, Sunday, December 10 at 5:00 pm
5th Night of Chanukah, Monday, December 11 at 6:00 pm
6th Night of Chanukah, Tuesday, December 12 at 6:00 pm
7th Night of Chanukah, Wednesday, December 13 at 6:00 pm
8th Night of Chanukah, Thursday, December 14 at 6:00 pm
For more information, visit the official website of the Largest Menorah http://www.largestmenorah.com
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