Thousands in Moscow Watch First Light Kindled on Menorah

Hundreds of Jews gathered this evening in Revolution Square in Moscow to watch the lighting of Russia’s largest menorah. The event, which was witnessed by thousands of passers-by, marked the first night of Chanukah.

The giant menorah was lit in the country’s capital city by Rabbi Berel Lazar, chief rabbi of Russia and head Chabad-Lubavitch emissary. He was joined by a number of dignitaries, including Chief Rabbi of Israel Dovid Lau and Israel’s ambassador to Russia Zvi Heifetz.

The lighting, which took place in central Moscow just blocks away from the Kremlin and in unseasonably warm weather, was followed by cheerful Chassidic dancing, accompanied by the Moscow Cheder Menachem Boys Choir.

In all, 13 large public menorahs will be lit each night of Chanukah throughout Moscow, and 35,000 menorah kits will be distributed. More than 5,000 people are expected at a Chanukah concert and menorah-lighting at the Kremlin on Tuesday, Dec. 8, the third night of the eight-day holiday.

For Chanukah information—including locating public menorah-lightings—inspiration, recipes, events for the whole family and more, visit the Chabad.org Chanukah 2015 page here.

Chief Rabbi of Russia Berel Lazar ignites the first candle.

Lazar was joined by dignitaries, including Chief Rabbi of Israel Dovid Lau and Israel’s ambassador to Russia Zvi Heifetz.

Hundreds of Jewish community members and many more passers-by gathered for the festivities.

The lighting was followed by Chassidic dancing and the Moscow Cheder Menachem Boys Choir.

More than 5,000 people are expected at a Chanukah concert and menorah-lighting at the Kremlin on Tuesday, Dec. 8, the third night of the eight-day holiday. Here, a "Chanukah" sign in Russia.