Preparations are underway for Hanukkah on Fifth Avenue, with the return of the world's largest menorah near Central Park. As reported by PIX11, the menorah stands a staggering 36 feet tall and weighs in at 4,000 pounds, having illuminated Grand Army Plaza every Hanukkah since 1977. A creation of the Lubavitch Youth Organization, the lighting of this menorah has become a beacon of public celebration for the Jewish festival of lights.
With the first candle to be lit on December 14, New Yorkers and visitors alike can look forward to nightly celebrations, including live music, and traditional Hanukkah foods. Every evening until December 21, the ceremonies embody the spirit of the holiday, observed by lighting an eight-branched candelabrum to commemorate the Jewish people's ancient victory. As 6sqft mentions, the menorah's design, certified by the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest in the world, was inspired by a hand drawing by Maimonides of the original menorah in the Holy Temple of Jerusalem.
This year is particularly significant as the menorah marks its 30th year since the redesign by artist Yaacov Agam. The menorah's connection to the Holy Temple design was emphasized by Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, known as the Rebbe, who spearheaded the campaign for public menorah lightings worldwide. According to Rabbi Yossi Butman, as he told 6sqft, “The Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, taught that the Menorah is a universal symbol of liberty, and holds an important place not only in Jewish life, but in the life of the American people.”
Furthermore, Hanukkah celebrations will not only be contained to Manhattan. Over in Brooklyn, there will be another significant lighting at the entrance of Prospect Park. Kicking off on Sunday, December 14, at 4 p.m., Chabad of Park Slope will host festivities complete with live music, hot latkes, and gifts for children at Grand Army Plaza, according to the 6sqft article.
