Following the deadly shootings this year at the JC Kosher Supermarket in Jersey City and inside the synagogue at Chabad of Poway, Calif., and other recent incidents of violence against Jews, larger crowds than ever are expected at the lighting of the World’s Largest Menorah in New York City this Hanukkah.


A new addition, LED rope lights, are intended to increase the historic menorah’s visibility and to encourage participants to take a stand against hate in a strong show of Jewish pride.


Throughout the eight-day holiday, which begins this year on the evening of Sunday, Dec. 22, thousands will join the nightly lightings of this historic menorah on Fifth Avenue and 59th Street near Central Park, right outside of the Plaza Hotel. Organized by the Lubavitch Youth Organization, the event will feature a public menorah-lighting ceremony live music, lively dancing and traditional Hanukkah treats, including Latkes and donuts.


The annual New York City tradition is part of the worldwide Hanukkah campaign, an initiative launched in 1973 by the Rebbe—Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory, the most influential rabbi in modern history. The campaign focuses on creating awareness and promoting observance of the holiday.


Location:


Fifth Avenue and 59th Street near Central Park, right outside of the Plaza Hotel


Schedule:

Sun., Dec. 22 at 5:30 p.m. - U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer to light the menorah. Performance by singer David Haziza

Mon., Dec. 23 at 5:30 p.m.

Tue., Dec. 24 at 5:30 p.m. - Performance by singer Dovid Pearlman.

Wed., Dec. 25 at 5:30 p.m.

Thu., Dec 26 at 5:30 p.m.

Fri., Dec. 27 at 3:30 p.m.

Sat., Dec. 28 at 8:30 p.m.

Sun., Dec. 29 at 5:30 p.m.


The World’s Largest Menorah is a project of Lubavitch Youth Organization