Crowds stopped in their tracks to take in the sight of chainsaw-chiseling artists working huge blocks of ice into a magnificent 12 foot ice menorah.
Delighted passersby were dusted with snow-like sprays from Chabad of Midtown’s holiday celebration – a spectacle enjoyed by thousands at the busy crossroads of Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street.
Locals, business people, shoppers and tourists joined Rabbi Yehoshua Metzger in kindling the menorah while staff and volunteers handed out latkes, donuts and dreidels to the crowd.
Chabad of Midtown Manhattan is situated just a few short blocks from the United Nations. Brocha Chana Metzger stated movingly “This special assemblage is the real United Nations – a beacon of light unto the nations, countering darkness and negativity”.
Following the menorah lighting, guests entered the Chabad Midtown Center where the festivities continued with a special reception.
Rabbi Asher Webb and members of The Midtown Kollel light a large menorah every night and distribute menorah kits to people passing by the center.
On Fifth Avenue – inundated with holiday hoopla and bright lights – the public Menorah serves as a beacon of Jewish pride in the heart of the city.
Appearance of Diamond or Crystal, wish it could last, but if not, best bet is Moshiach For Sure!!
Mazel tov to the shluchim for 5th avenue!! Great job on mixing the two opposite elements together! #TimesOfMoshiach!
Looks like a Menorah carved out of Diamonds. If only they could keep it from melting for the entire holiday. Schoyach, Happy Chanukah, only one more thing, Moshiach Now!