Gather around the 32-foot-high, gold-colored, 4,000-pound steel holiday icon at Grand Army Plaza (Fifth Avenue and West 59th Street, across the street from The Plaza hotel) to kick off the annual Jewish Festival of Lights. Save for Friday (around 3:30pm, in advance of the Sabbath) and Saturday (8pm, after the Sabbath's conclusion), lightings start nightly at 5:30pm. Those in Brooklyn should know that Kings County also claims the title of the World's Largest Menorah (located at Grand Army Plaza, at the head of Prospect Park).
The World's Largest Menorah stands at a whopping 32 feet tall (the maximum allowed by Jewish law), and has been towering over Grand Army Plaza since 1985. The annual Menorah lighting ceremony is a must for Jews and non-Jews alike.
Every night The celebration is accompanied with live music and hot latkes for all. Special gifts are distributed to every child. Making this a family celebration and a must on everyone's calendar. With assistance from a Con Edison cherry-picker, Rabbi Shimon Hecht accompanies community leaders, philanthropists and special guests in lighting this humongous Menorah.
Menorah Lighting Times 5775/ 2014
- 1st Night of Chanukah, Tuesday, December 16 at 6:00 pm
- 2nd Night of Chanukah, Wednesday, December 17 at 6:00 pm
- 3rd Night Of Chanukah, Thursday, December 18 at 6:00 pm
- 4th Night Of Chanukah, Friday, December 19 at 3:30 pm
- 5th Night Of Chanukah, Saturday, December 20 at 7:00 pm
- 6th Night Of Chanukah, Sunday, December 21, at 6:00 pm
- 7th Night Of Chanukah, Monday, December 22 at 6:00 pm
- 8th Night Of Chanukah, Tuesday, December 23 at 6:00 pm
At the World's Largest Menorah every night of Chanukah is celebrated with live music, hot latkes and gifts for the children.
World's Largest Menorah Contest: Submit your menorah selfie! Winner will receive 5 free tickets to the Jewish Heritage Night NETS game and Menorah Lighting! This special game will be held on Sunday, December 21. There will be a menorah lighting between the first and second quarters, and a special halftime game that pits rabbis against teens. The anthem will be performed by Yanky Lemmer. The game will be held at Barclays Center at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 each. Click here for your chance to win free tickets to the game. You’ll simply enter your information and upload your selfie on the Chabad of Park Slope website to entered into the raffle. Winner will be notified via email Sunday morning, December 21.
About Chabad Park Slope: The word "Chabad" is a Hebrew acronym for the three intellectual faculties of: chachmah-wisdom, binah-comprehension and da'at-knowledge. The movement's system of Jewish philosophy, teaches understanding and recognition of the Creator, the role and purpose of Creation, and the importance and unique mission of each Creature. This philosophy guides a person to refine and govern his/her every act and feeling through wisdom, comprehension and knowledge. Our goal is to impart the Jewish values that guide everything we do — and to improve access to quality Jewish education. We're reinvigorating the institutions that help shape Jewish life. Opening doors to Jews of every background. Teaching the next generation of communal leaders. Creating powerful learning experiences for children and adults.
Walking into one of our centers or joining one of our programs, the first thing you'll notice are the people. You will see smiles, hugs, and warm handshakes as people greet each other. It is an intimate and spirited group. There are families, singles, seniors, and lots of children. There are Jews from all walks of life, backgrounds and affiliations. People come to Chabad for the sense of community they feel here. There are no judgments or expectations. You don't need to read Hebrew or be familiar with the services. If you are Jewish and want a place to express your soul, you are welcome here!
For information, visit chabadparkslope.com.