Sydney Lights up with Menorahs

After weeks of hard work by Chabad Youth NSW and the Rabbinical students of the Yeshiva Centre – Chabad NSW HQ, Car Menorahs and Chanukah Flags were set on top of cars and vans in order to parade through the streets of Sydney and remind people of the great miracles of Chanukah.

The Parade culminated at Chanukah in the City – a giant Menorah lighting ceremony in Martin Place. A number of Government representatives gave greetings including The Hon. Malcolm Turnbull MP, the Hon. Mr David Clark MLC, the Hon. Walter Secord MLC, the Hon. Luke Foley MLC and Councillor Shayne Mallard representing Sydney City Council.

Rabbi Pinchus Feldman, Head Shliach to NSW and dean and spiritual leader of the yeshiva centre, spoke of the message of Chanukah and the power of the individual, as seen by Matisyahu the high priest who stood up against the invading Syrian-Greek empire and their oppression beginning the Jewish revolt for religious freedom.

The event was celebrated by many hundreds of families, of all walks of life, an amazing turnout for summer holiday vacation time. Special features of the event included Australia’s biggest chocolate menorah standing over 6.6 feet tall, every child received a special gift bag which had chocolate coins, a draidel, 10 cents for charity and a special menorah necklace with colored lights. Of course there were doughnuts and a BBQ that were enjoyed by all.

Other elements of the event were a jumping castle, face painting, Chanukah galloons and a grand raffle for a Sony Playstation 3 won by the Garber family.

The feature presentation of the event was the international street performer who ate fire, juggled knives while eating an apple and then balanced himself on an eight foot pole and juggled fire.

The Girls of Yeshiva Girls Cheder set up a large Mivtzoim stand where they gave out Shabbat candles, chanukah Menorahs and candles, Holiday guides and many other brochures on Kashrus and the like. They also signed people up for the Jewish Birthday club and the Chabad youth Hebrew School.

The Rabbinical students of the Yeshiva put on Tefilin with scores of people including a few that had never worn tefilin before.

“We are very thankful to the Almighty for enabling such a wonderful event and withholding the rain,” said Rabbi Elimelech Levy, Director of Chabad Youth NSW, even though all the weather forecasts predicted there would be a thunderstorm, and indeed the days before the event the rain was relentless, but when it came to lighting the giant Menorah the weather changed, allowing everyone to enjoy the Miracles of Chanukah.

Other programs organized included public Menorahs displayed in shopping centres and in front of prominently positioned buildings around Sydney for all to see.

Chanukah events and activities were directed by Rabbi Elimelech Levy of Chabad Youth NSW with the students of the Yeshiva Centre

Chabad Youth NSW is an initiative of the Yeshiva Centre – Chabad NSW HQ.