By Moshe New – Chabad.org
Against the backdrop of the glittering Manhattan skyline, the World’s Largest Menorah on 5th Avenue stood ablaze, a beacon of hope amid a year marked by the war in Israel and rising antisemtism across the United States.
As Rabbi Shmuel Butman, director of the Lubavitch Youth Organization and organizer of the event prepared to light the first light of the menorah, he was joined on stage by the New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who addressed the crowd.
“Chanukah is a reminder of the strength, the resiliency and the ability to find light through darkness. And if ever in our history in New York we have needed to find light after darkness, it is right now,” she remarked on the crisp December evening.
“I want to make sure everyone knows that I’m working hard to keep you all safe. We are making sure that everywhere you go to worship and celebrate this great holiday, that you will be safe because there is no room for hate in the great state of New York. Happy Chanukah everybody!”
The World’s Largest Menorah stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Rebbe, whose Chanukah Awareness campaign is celebrating its 50th year, has transformed the holiday, bringing it to the American mainstream and making it an integral part of not only Jewish life but also American culture.
“This year’s celebration will be even bigger and more comprehensive than we’ve done before,” Rabbi Butman said. “The lesson from the Menorah is as stong as it is timely: Just like Judah the Maccabee did not negotiate with the enemy, neither should we.”
The Governor of the State of New York shared with the crowd a surprising personal anecdote: The Governor received the news of her father’s passing while she was preparing to leave for a trip to Israel following October 7. Despite her personal loss, she shared with the crowd her resolve to visit Israel in solidarity with the Jewish people.
“I went to the Wailing Wall the next morning [after my father’s passing], I put two messages in. One for the people of Israel because they were dealing with such pain and suffering, and I wanted to comfort them. And also one for my father,” she shared. “All he wanted to do was go to Israel. He had been there just a few years earlier. He had gone to the Wailing Wall as well. So it was important for me to go.”
Governor Hochul’s presence and personal touch, along with the countless others who gathered around the World’s Largest Menorah, served as a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of the Jewish people.
As the flames danced on the menorah for the first time this year, they carried with them not only the light of tradition, but also a message of hope for a brighter future.
“The menorah will increase in light, growing brighter night after night, and serve as a powerful symbol of the Jewish People’s unwavering spirit.” Butman added. “It stands as a reminder that even a little light can overcome a great deal of darkness. May the lights of Chanukah usher in the eternal lights of the great redemption.”
The Menorah will be lit each night of Chanukah.
Famed singer and recording star Eli Marcus will give a concert on the Monday of Chanukah.
Schedule of the Lighting of the World’s Largest Menorah
Fifth Avenue and 59th Street at Central Park
Thu., Dec. 7 at 5:30 p.m.
Fri., Dec. 8 at 3:30 p.m.
Sat., Dec. 9 at 8:30 p.m.
Sun., Dec. 10 at 5:30 p.m.
Mon., Dec. 11 at 5:30 p.m. Mayor Eric Adams to Light the Menorah
Tue., Dec. 12 at 5:30 p.m.
Wed., Dec. 13 at 5:30 p.m.
Thu., Dec. 14 at 5:30 p.m.