By COLlive reporter
Photos: Simon Roumani
New York’s ranking U.S. Senator Charles Schumer was honored with kindling the first candle on the world’s largest Chanukah menorah, located in Manhattan.
The 32-foot high, gold colored, 4,000 pound steel structure was designed by renowned artist Yaacov Agam and uses genuine oil lamps overlooking Central Park.
Standing on a Con Edison “cherry-picker” crane between the Plaza and the Pierre Hotels, Schumer said the blessings on Sunday, the first night of Chanukah.
“We must put an end to terror – it now spread to Paris and to the United States,” he stated. “We can do it by combining our forces together. We have to hope for miracles same as with the Maccabees in their days.”
He was accompanied by Rabbi Shmuel Butman, Executive Director of Lubavitch Youth Organization, which sponsors the Menorah and its nightly lighting ceremony at New York’s most fashionable plaza.
The Menorah was certified by the Guinness World Records as the World’s Largest. It was inspired by a hand drawing by Maimonides based on the original Menorah in the Holy Temple of Jerusalem.
While built in the largest size permitted by Halacha, a miniature replica would stand on the desk of the Rebbe at Lubavitch Headquarters 770 Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn.
“The Menorah stands as a symbol of freedom and democracy, strength and inspiration delivering a timely and poignant message to each person on an individual basis,” said Rabbi Butman.
He added, “The Maccabees did not negotiate with the enemy as you do not negotiate with terrorists, the message today is very clear we should not negotiate with terrorists.”
Lubavitch Youth sponsored a special Chanukah message on New York’s most popular radio stations, WCBS and WINS, calling on Jews to join the ceremony and also light a menorah in their own homes.
Participants at the lighting of the World’s Largest Chanukah Menorah on Fifth Avenue and 59th Street were greeted by Mitzvah Tanks which handed out Menorah kits and donuts fried in oil, as customary.
go zaidy butman!
this is machlockes in metzius. just measure the two. i’ll bet they’re both 32 feet and have to share the title.
Love your pics!!!
whos menorah is bigger? definitely an argument in light with the spirit of chanukah, size over substance.
am i the only one who finds this ironic? ( and a bit sophmoric?)
It was beautiful and it is confirmed to be the worlds largest Menorah — with Rabbi Hecht lighting it it definitely adds a few feet of stature compared with the Manhattan one.
It appears from the pictures that the Manhattan Menorah is wider (and therfore “larger”). But ultimately, what real difference does it make?
Happy chanukah!
Brooklyn’s is definitely taller.
Chag Sameach!!!
WHAT TIME IS THE LIGHTING DAILY?
What time are they lighting candles on motzai shabbos
Who cares which one is the largest? The main thing is the Pirsumei Nisa.
Mishiach now, Chag Semeach
Isn’t the one at Grand army plaza the largest?
Both of these menorahs reach the highest halachik hight of 32 feet, however the one in brooklyn had a shamesh that is almost a foot taller then the rest of the candles, making it bigger then the one in Manhattan.
Or can someone clarify?