Over 2,000 people attended the giant Menorah lighting at Golders Green Station in London on Sunday night. Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, local Mayor and MPs were among the guests.
Chanukah is a time when Jews show what Judaism stands for – to be a light unto the nations. Nowhere is this clearer than in London with its plethora of public Menorahs lighting up the dark nights.
The Chabad Golders Green Station iconic 30 foot Menorah is a beacon of light and a symbol of peace and unity, welcoming everyone to the nightly public lightings with a message of light and warmth.
Like the Maccabees, (the heroes of the Chanukah story) Chanukah reminds us that life’s darkest moments and greatest challenges can be brightened with steadfast faith, determination and by doing an extra Mitzvah, like lighting the Chanukah lights. Especially in this fraught time, with the war in Israel and the rise in antisemitism, love and unity are of the utmost importance.
The Giant Menorah at Golders Green Station was lit each evening of Chanukah by a different Guest of Honour, from a Lord, a Holocaust Survivor and friends of Chabad. The traditional Chanukah songs were sung by different Chazzonim and local choirs and of course doughnuts were enjoyed.
On Sunday night, we had the big night, “Kids Night”, over 2,000 people came including VIPs, Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, local Mayor and MPs.
Our thoughts were with Israel, with a message from an IDF soldier, Tehillim was recited and prayer cards with the names and pictures of those held hostage were given out. The guest singer was Shloime Gertner, who sang songs of hope and prayer as well as lively Chanuka songs.
Among the many dozens of Menorahs around London, Chabad Golders Green have Menorahs at Henlys Corner, Barnet General, Royal Free Hospital, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Highgate junction, and The Elijah Centre.
Chabad Golders Green is renowned for its hands-on workshops, and Chanukah is no exception. During the week prior to and during Chanukah itself, hundreds of children and adults participated in the Olive Press workshop. Taking fresh olives and squeezing them into olive oil, which is traditionally used to light the Menorah commemorating the miracle of finding olive oil in the Temple in Jerusalem after it was defiled by the Greeks.
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