World’s Largest Menorah Erected in NYC, to Shine Amid War and Rising Antisemitism

The World’s Largest Menorah, a New York City icon and the world’s premier menorah, is set to brighten the city once again when it is lit each of the eight nights of Chanukah, from December 7 to December 15.

With the recent surge of antisemitic incidents and the explicit embrace of these hateful sentiments by influential cultural figures following the Oct 7 terrorist attacks in Israel, organizers expect this year’s festivities to be even larger and more joyous than ever before, as New Yorkers embrace the Chanukah’s message of light and hope and ensure that hate will never win.

Throughout the eight-day holiday, which begins this year on the evening of Thursday, Dec. 7, many New Yorkers and visitors to the city will join the nightly lightings of the towering 36-foot menorah—certified by the Guinness World Records as the world’s largest—on Fifth Avenue and 59th Street at Grand Army Plaza near Central Park, right outside of the Plaza Hotel. Organized by the Lubavitch Youth Organization, the event will feature a public menorah-lighting ceremony and live music with spirited Chassidic dancing. The menorah was designed by Israeli artist Yaacov Agam and spired by a hand drawing by the Rambam of the original menorah in the Beis Hamikdosh in Yerusholayim.

On Sunday of Chanukah, free donuts and Menorah for participants. On Monday of Chanukah, singer Eli Marcus will perform.

The Rebbe’s instructions
Yaakov Agam and Joseph Chachanover, the diplomat who had strong ties with the Rebbe and who’s wife Rivkah was instrumental in the World’s Largest Menorah, testified that the Rebbe instructed them that he wants this Menorah to be the World’s largest.

Many dignitaries and public officials are expected to attend the nightly lightings.

Chanukah is a holiday that celebrates the Jewish people’s remarkable deliverance from those who wished them harm,” said Rabbi Shmuel M. Butman, director of Lubavitch Youth Organization. “When faced with darkness, this menorah serves as a symbol of New York City’s dedication to persevering and celebrating all its citizens as they are. And this year, we’re shining that great symbol ever so bright.”

A unique addition to this year’s festivities will be the “Full Light on Chanukah’s Last Night” on the last night of Chanukah (Thursday, Dec. 14), when all the lights of the menorah will be lit.

“This year’s celebration will be even bigger and more comprehensive than we’ve done before,” added Butman. “At such a crucial moment in our people’s history, with the war going on in Israel, we are resolute in celebrating Chanukah at the World’s Largest Menorah with the people of New York, and showing the world even a little light can overcome much darkness.”

The annual New York City tradition is part of the worldwide Chanukah campaign, an initiative launched 50 years ago in 1973 by the Rebbe. The campaign focuses on creating awareness and promoting observance of the holiday.

Over the years, the World’s Largest Menorah was lit by New York City Mayors Ed Koch, David Dinkins, Rudolph Giuliani, Michael Bloomberg, Bill de Blasio, Eric Adams; Govs. Mario Cuomo, George Pataki and David Paterson; U.S. Senator Charles Schumer and many other dignitaries. It is seen by millions around the world, through live broadcasts and international press coverage.