Sunday: World’s Largest Menorah

Following the Pittsburgh massacre and other recent attacks against Jews, thousands are expected at the lighting of the World’s Largest Menorah in New York City this Chanukah.

Throughout the eight-day holiday—which begins this year on the evening of Sunday, December 2—thousands will join the nightly lightings of this historic menorah on Fifth Avenue and 59th Street, near Central Park, right outside of the Plaza Hotel.

The World’s Largest Menorah, certified by Guinness World Records, was designed by world-renowned artist Yaacov Agam and is organized by the Lubavitch Youth Organization.

The annual tradition is part of the worldwide Chanukah campaign, an initiative launched 45 years ago in 1973 by the Rebbe. The campaign focuses on creating awareness and promoting observance of the holiday.

Yaacov Adam And Joseph Ciachanover, famed Israel diplomat, testified that the Rebbe wanted this Menorah to be the World’s largest.

“When faced with darkness and hatred, the light of the menorah serves as a symbol of strength and inspiration, democracy and freedom for all people, delivering a timely and poignant message to each person on an individual basis,” said Rabbi Shmuel M. Butman, director of Lubavitch Youth Organization.

The event will include a lighting ceremony, dancing and singing and Chanukah treats. Popular singer Eli Marcus will perform at the celebration. “It will emphasize the joy and spirit of the Jewish People and our determination to continue with pride and dignity despite the rise of hatred and antisemitism,” Rabbi Butman said.

Over the years, the World’s Largest Menorah was lit by New York City Mayors Abraham Beame, Ed Koch, David Dinkins, Rudolph Giuliani, Michael Bloomberg and Bill de Blasio; Governors George Pataki and David Paterson; United States Senators Jacob Javits and Charles Schumer, as well as many other dignitaries.

Today, the unprecedented public display of Chanukah has become a staple of Jewish cultural and religious life in New York City and around the world, forever altering the practice and perception of the festival.

This year, Chabad-Lubavitch will set up more than 15,000 large public menorahs in more than 100 countries around the world, including in front of landmarks such as the White House, the Eiffel Tower, and the Kremlin.

“May the lights of the Menorah,” said Rabbi Butman, “usher in the eternal light of Moshiach and a world of peach and harmony, joy and happiness for all of mankind.”