November 28th marked the first evening night of Hanukkah, and New York is celebrating by being home to the largest menorah in the world (the Guinness Book of World Records even said so)!
As of Sunday, November 28th, a 32-ft menorah (competing with Brooklyn’s Grand Army Plaza’s menorah) was lit outside the east entrance of Central Park. Weighing 4,000 pounds, this menorah isn’t just gigantic but very heavy!
According to Central Park, the towering menorah is the “largest size permitted by Halacha-Jewish law.”
Lightings will occur each night of Hanukkah in both Manhattan (at 5:30 p.m. most evenings) and Brooklyn (at 6 p.m. most evenings). According to the Chabad of Park Slope, each lighting in Brooklyn involves hot latkes, gifts for children, and live music!
In the mid-70s, Rabbi Shmuel Butman was responsible for erecting this historical menorah that still stands on Fifth Avenue today.
However, according to Central Park, competition for the “world’s largest menorah” broke out in 1984 when Rabbi Shimon Hecht brought a similar menorah to Brooklyn’s Grand Army Plaza. Though both are actually 32-feet in height, the central candle in Brooklyn’s Grand Army Plaza menorah is six inches taller than Manhattan’s central candle.
Lighting Schedule for 2021:
Sunday November 28th: 5:30 PM
Monday November 29th: 5:30 PM
Tuesday November 30th: 5:30 PM
Wednesday December 1st: 5:30 PM
Thursday December 2nd: 5:30 PM
Friday December 3rd: 3:30 PM
Saturday December 4th: 8:00 PM
Sunday December 5th: 5:30 PM
Learn more about the holiday and lighting ceremonies here!
Where: 5th Avenue and 59th Street in Midtown Manhattan