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World’s Largest Menorah Lit In Manhattan Marking The 1st Night Of Hanukkah, The Jewish Festival!

In Manhattan, the World's largest menorah is lit marking the first night of Hanukkah! Here are the details.

by Shreya Rathod
World’s Largest Menorah Lit In Manhattan Marking The 1st Night Of Hanukkah, The Jewish Festival!

Hanukkah is the Jewish festival of lights and is celebrated for eight days. The Hanukkah festival was inspired by events that happened in a particularly difficult time in Jewish history. The Hanukiah, or nine-branched menorah in Hebrew, is the focal point of the Hanukkah festival. In keeping with the celebrations, the World’s largest Hanukkah menorah was lit in Manhattan and it marked the beginning of festivities!

The World’s Largest Menorah Was Lit In Manhattan!

In Manhattan, the World’s largest menorah was lit marking the first night of Hanukkah. Jews light the menorah as a proud symbol of their religious identity. However, this year, many feel uncertain about this custom. In addition to increasing their existing high level of awareness, the NYPD is now installing additional security surrounding public menorah displays. It’s particularly crucial this year to celebrate Hanukkah loudly, according to several Jewish New Yorkers.

Some families have chosen to celebrate in secret due to the rise in anti-Semitic incidents this year, but others in the community banded together to light the largest menorah in the world in Manhattan in an effort to dispel the gloom.

The rabbi needed assistance to light the first candle because it was almost thirty feet tall. Every year, Chabad claims that the menorah is the largest in the world according to Guinness World Records.

It was created years ago by an Israeli artist who drew inspiration from a hand-drawn replica of the first menorah in Jerusalem’s Holy Temple. The focal point of the Hanukkah tale is the Holy Temple. Jews were being forced to worship Greek gods while the temple was under siege more than 2,000 years ago. Jewish people prevailed in their retaliation.

Also Read: 6.2 Km From Alibaug, A Rock In Maharashtra Is Considered As A Sacred One By Jews And Hindus

They required oil to light the menorah in order to rededicate the temple. The fire mysteriously continued for eight days, even though they could only find enough to survive for one night. It’s one of several that are on exhibit in towns and cities across the globe.

Public Celebrations In Over 100 Countries

To promote the holiday’s message of light and optimism, the Rebbe of Chabad Lubavitch urged Jews to celebrate Hanukkah in public many years ago. Chabad has over 15,000 menorahs in public this year in over 100 countries, including the White House and the Paris Eiffel Tower.

Every night, there will be a public lighting at the Manhattan menorah. It usually happens at 5:30 p.m., but because of Shabbat, it will happen earlier on Friday.

Traditional Food:

The custom of frying traditional Hanukkah meals in oil is another reference to the Hanukkah miracle. In many Jewish homes, potato pancakes (called latkes) and jam-filled doughnuts (called sufganiyot) are especially relished treats. Other Hanukkah traditions include giving gifts and playing with dreidels, which are four-sided spinning tops.

Because Hanukkah falls on or around Christmas, it has become a big commercial phenomenon in recent decades, especially in North America. However, from a religious standpoint, it continues to be a minor holiday with no restrictions on working, going to school, or engaging in other activities.

Also Read: What Is Hanukkah? These 5 Fried Dishes Are Prepared During Hanukkah, Don’t Miss Out

Comment below and tell us if you have seen any Hanukkah celebrations.

Cover Image Courtesy: Flickr/ Chabad Lubavitch

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