Photos: Itzik Roytman
The lighting of the 8th Candle of the World’s Largest Menorah was dedicated to the victims of the inhuman attack in Monsey, NY.
“This is not Berlin 1939, this is the United States of America 2019,” said Rabbi Shmuel Butman, director of Lubavitch Youth Organization from the top of the Menorah. “We call upon the Governor, the Mayor, the elected officials and the Court System to do what is right to protect our citizens.”
“It is unheard of that one should go to Shul (Synagogue) for the evening services and to witness the lighting of the public Menorah in Shul and to be knifed-down just for being Jewish,” added Rabbi Butman.
Rabbi Butman led the throng of thousands in saying Tehilim (Psalms) chapter 20 together for the speedy recovery of the victims. “Put a nickel, a dime or a quarter from one pocket to another pocket and put it in a Pushka (Charity Box) when you get home.”
As it was the 8th candle of Chanukah, there was live music and singing and hot Chanukah latkes where distributed.
“The term ‘happy Chanukah’ now has a special meaning as it was not a ‘happy Chanukah’ in Jersey City, in Monsey and, by extension, in the Jewish community, as we are one. We are asking that the Festival of Chanukah should be a happy one,” said Rabbi Butman.
The local and international media constantly covered the World’s Menorah and brought it to the attention of hundreds of millions of people the world over.
