Photos: Mendel Strasberg – @mstrasphotography
In a historic first, Menorahs have been inaugurated at two of New York City’s key transit hubs this Chanukah: Moynihan Train Hall and Penn Station. This initiative, resonating with the concept of Pirsumei Nisa – the public celebration of the Chanukah miracle – represents a significant step in bringing the festive spirit of Chanukah to public spaces.
Rabbi Shmuel Butman, Director of the Lubavitch Youth Organization, played an instrumental role in making this a reality.
“Inaugurating these Menorahs in such significant public venues is our way of broadening the reach of the Chanukah message,” he said. “It’s about shining a light of hope and positivity, particularly in challenging times.”
Elaborating on a personal connection to the venue, Rabbi Butman recounted a memorable incident from the past. “I had the honor of bringing Senator Patrick Moynihan to the Rebbe many years ago. To see a Menorah now standing at Moynihan Train Hall feels like we’ve come full circle.”
Joining in this effort were key Amtrak officials, including Anthony Navarro, Gateway Program Director for Amtrak, and Sharon Tepper, Director of Planning and Development at New York Penn Station.
The strategic placement of the Menorahs in Moynihan Train Hall and Penn Station, frequented by approximately 600,000 daily travelers, amplifies the impact of this gesture. The presence of these Menorahs in such bustling locations ensures that their message of hope and perseverance is shared with a broad and diverse audience.
In alignment with the Rebbe’s encouragement for public displays of Menorahs, this initiative extends the Chanukah celebration beyond the confines of the Jewish community. It embodies the Rebbe’s vision of spreading the light and teachings of Chanukah to all corners of society, using public spaces as conduits for sharing the message of Chanukah.
thank you Rabbi Butman