Largest Chanukah in Australia

Thousands of people from the Melbourne Jewish community of all ages gathered on Sunday December 2, the first night of Chanukah, at the centrally located Caulfield Park to mark Melbourne’s 26th annual Chanukah celebration – Celebrating the first large public Menorah lighting event in the world.

For decades, The Chabad House of Caulfield has been organizing the event under the leadership of Rabbi Yossel Gutnick, which had seen the annual event become Australia’s largest annual Jewish event with close to 8,000 people of all ages attending each year.

Revelers from the entire Jewish community and beyond convened on the park grounds in the afternoon to enjoy the exciting rides and entertainment for children and teens and to sit down with family and friends while enjoying a wide range of offerings from the local Kosher restaurants. The local Matana band excited the crowd with lively Jewish music and Chanukah songs.

Before dark, the community heard greetings from Rabbi Yossel Gutnick director of Chabad House of Caulfield and Head Shliach of Melbourne. Which was followed by greetings from state politicians, David Southwick MP Liberal candidate for MacNamara, Kate Ashmore, Labor candidate for MacNamara Josh Burns and the local Glen Eira city council Mayor Jayme Hyams.

A recurring theme of the speeches was the proud and unequivocal support of the local Jewish community. Strong statements thanking and appreciating Australia’s unique support along with the US against anti Israel resolutions at UN and Australia’s willingness to move embassy to Jerusalem capital of Israel

The huge Menorah was then lit by Rabbi Yossel Gutnick, Rabbi Zalman Gutnick, Rabbi Pinny Super and David Southwick MP.

Following a tradition of decades at Chanukah in the Park, the Menorah lighting was followed by a huge fireworks show and lively dancing.

Rabbi Pinny Super, the director of Chabad Young Professionals Melbourne, who organized the annual event on behalf of the Chabad House Of Caulfield, said, “it’s a remarkable thing to see young couples bring their children to Chanukah in the park this year, young couples who 25+ years ago themselves were children attending the same event, returning this year with their own children!”