Chanukah at Melbourne Parliament

The 13th annual Menorah lighting ceremony was held at the Parliament House of Victoria in Melbourne, Australia, organized by Shliach Rabbi Chaim Herzog, director of Chabad of Melbourne CBD.

The program’s master of ceremony was Mr. David Southwick MP, member for Caulfield who introduced Chazzan Didi Levin and the Central Shul Choir who gave a repertoire of songs. Amongst them, “Haneiros Halalu”, “Advance Australia Fair”, and a South African rendition of “Shehechiyanu,” all of which drew tremendous applause from participants.

This was followed by the introduction of the guest speaker, the honorable James Merlino MP, deputy leader of the labor party and minister for education, also a long time friend of Chabad of Melbourne CBD and Rabbi Chaim Herzog.

Mrs. Myriam Wylie, French consular general, spoke about the devastating acts of terrorism that took place in Paris on the thirteenth of November. Helen Kapalos, presenter on a “Current Affair” was amongst the dignitaries present.

This year’s Chanukah program was presented in conjunction with Central Shul Chabad and its Minister Rabbi Yitzchok Reisenberg, who gave the vote of thanks to the audience which featured some well known community figures.

They included Richard and Lillian Frank, who writes a weekly social column for the Herald Sun newspaper, and Mrs. Stera Gutnick, wife of the well known philanthropist Joseph Gutnick. Mrs. Gutnick is well known for the Jewish educational programs that she organizes such as Women of Valour.

Rabbi Reisenberg in his thank you made special mention of MP David Southwick, member of Caulfield and relentless helper for Jewish causes and Rabbi Chaim Herzog for his ceaseless commitment to the city community.

The evening was concluded by the lighting of two candles by Rabbi Chaim Herzog and the singing of the Bracha by him and the help of the Central Shul choir singing “Maoz Tzur”.

Chabad of Melbourne CBD’s Chanukah event in the Melbourne Parliament culminated with its signature cocktail party that was widely attended by the broader community.