Over 6,000 people from across the UK gathered in Trafalgar Square on December 10, 2012 for the annual lighting ceremony of the Chabad Lubavitch Menorah.
Unprecedented publicity including a newspaper wrap, radio station call-ins, and tweets from the Menorah itself (@LondonMenorah) brought in a larger crowd than ever before.
Standing 32 feet tall in London’s most iconic square, the menorah, renowned for its unique and modern design has become a feature in London’s city calendar.
“Across London people see [the Menorah] as a the universal symbolism of the triumph of light over dark,” says Mayor of London Boris Johnson, “it’s about freedom here in this City from oppression.”
This year’s event was a partnership project between Chabad Lubavitch UK, The Jewish Leadership Council (JLC) and London Jewish Forum (LJF) with support from the Mayor of London, and security provided by the Community Security Trust (CST).
“It was brilliant tonight… to see many sectors of the Jewish community working together,” tweeted attendee Blake Cole.
Mayor of London Boris Johnson addressed the crowds from a stage which spanned the width of the Trafalgar Square steps. With typical charisma and humor the Mayor entertained the audience before starting the countdown to the lighting ceremony.
Rabbi Bentzi Sudak of Chabad Lubavitch UK spoke of the Rebbe’s campaign for public menorahs and the miracle of being able to celebrate publicly. He also asked the crowd to join in a prayer for the recovery of Rebbetzin Sarah Leah Overlander, shlucha to Hendon, who together with her husband Rabbi Gershon first erected the Trafalgar Square menorah in 2007.
Other speakers included Israeli Ambassador HE Daniel Taub and Gerald Ronson CBE.
Live performances by Neshama Orchestra, the Jewish Lads ‘n Girls Brigade Brass Band, and the Wolfson Hillel School Choir entertained the audience. The Shabbaton Choir led the lighting and were joined in a spirited rendition of Oseh Shalom by Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks.
Chabad Lubavitch’s Dreidelman made his star debut appearance dancing on stage, spinning his way around the square, and posing for photos with delighted children and adults alike.
Thousands of free doughnuts were distributed throughout the evening while event sponsor ADOT.com kept everyone warm with thousands of free winter hats. ADOT.com also launched a twitter competition at the event in which entrants could win money for the charity of their choice.
Long after the ceremony concluded, hundreds remained to dance to Neshama’s energetic music.
“Chanukah in the Square – the best one ever. Totally fantastic,” tweeted @JewishOnline.
“It’s fantastic to see so many people coming together and celebrating proudly in the streets of London,” said Rabbi Bentzi Sudak. “We look forward to reaching even more people next year with the light of Chanukah.”
Loved the Dreidel Man!!!
Chanie Deitsch
i see chatche
Wohow looks like a blast wish I was there.
BENTZIE,
Keep up the amazing work, the Rebbe is smiling at you fore sure.
We’re so proud of you Malka!! All the weeks of preparation and funny tweets paid off 🙂 brilliant job!
Great job!!! All your hard work paid off- the event looks
amazing! LOVE your twitter handle 🙂
Wishing you continued hatzlocho
CHS
Brisbane
Mendy levy , who planned & built the menorah in 2007
B.H. So beautiful to see the Achdus in good old Trafalgar Square, and it looks like a very cold night. But people were so very happy and enjoying themselves, that they did not feel the cold. From an Ex-Londoner, regards.
Yasher Koach to Malka Phillips! Esp the tweeting menorah! Brilliant! Where are you? (camera shy?)
hello from your friends in sunny florida
FANTASTIC PHOTOS OF WHAT WAS OBVIOUSLY A FANTASTIC EVENT. (TRUST ME TO BE ILL IN BED)
CONGRATULATIONS TO EVERYONE INVOLVED, ESPECIALLY TO MALKA FOR HER DREIDEL MAN, (AND
EVERYTHING ELSE)
WE’RE CURRENTLY RUNNING A GUITAR CLUB FOR CHASSIDISHE NIGUNIM WITH THE BOYS SCHOOL – CAN I BOOK THEM IN FOR HANEIROS HALLOLLU NEXT YEAR IN YERUSHALOYIM IYH?
WISHING YOU MUCH HATZLOCHA
Best year ever!! It was so cool to have such a massive Chanukah event and concert right in Trafalgar Square!!
i love what bentzi sudak is doing for london and the whole england, over the past couple of years. keep it up bentzi, no everyone merits to see such fruit from their labor.
…..
Like
Vogel’s keep up your good work.
First time in ages i am seeing a beautiful event in London! keep the young blood moving!