Formally welcoming Chanukah to London this year, The Rt. Worshipful the Lord Mayor of Westminster, Councillor Louise Hyams, hosted a Sunday evening ceremony at the Lord Mayor’s Parlour at Westminster City Hall on the first night of Chanukah. The Lord Mayor lit the Menorah at the event, which was organized by Chabad-Lubavitch.
Emphasizing the universal message of Chanukah in bringing light and warmth into the world, Rabbi Yisroel Lew of Chabad-Lubavitch of Bloomsbury, and co-organiser of the event, said that “We must all add more light as a little bit of light dispels much darkness. This message is particularly important this year, during the 30 day mourning period for those brutally killed in Mumbai, where we witnessed unspeakable evil.”
The Lord Mayor said “this event marks a first for Westminster. It is a privilege for me personally and for the people of Westminster to have a Menorah lighting ceremony at the Lord Mayor’s parlour, thus formally welcoming Chanukah to London.”
Rabbi Dovid Jaffe, the inspiration behind the event, said “I am so glad that this historic occasion could take place and mark the beginning of the Chanukah festival.”
Also present at the event were representatives of Lubavitch UK, other dignitaries and invited guests.
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