Boomerang menorah

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Chabad North Queensland has lit up a giant boomerang menorah on the Cairns Esplanade.

Rabbi Ari Rubin and the boomerang menorah

The life-size menorah was constructed entirely of boomerangs and provided Cairns’ Jewish and wider community with a safe way to celebrate Chanukah amid the pandemic.

This year’s menorah lighting is done with the recognition of the crucial need for a message of hope during what for many is a very difficult time. Chabad North QLD is also distributing menorahs, candles, and Chanukah-at-home kits to those celebrating at home.

The boomerang menorah was created with the blessings of the current elders of the Ydinji tribe, the native indigenous traditional owners of the Cairns esplanade and area, showing the shared cultural history of the two nations of which Chanukah represents.

North Queensland MP Bob Katter holds a candle

Rabbi Ari Rubin said: “The menorah serves as a symbol of light and hope for us today amidst the darkness of the pandemic, as it did for generations before us. The flames of the menorah shine out into the night, reminding us that even when confronted with much darkness, a tiny light can dispel it all. Another act of goodness and kindness, another act of light, can make all the difference.”

To ensure everyone is safe, the menorah lighting was with full covid restrictions, with all participants distanced to ensure the outdoor event is safe. Following the menorah lighting ceremony, pre-packaged menorah kits and holiday treats-to-go will be distributed.

The Boomerang Menorah is part of the worldwide Chanukah campaign launched by the late Lubavitch Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson in 1973. The campaign highlights and encourages the central theme of the holiday—publicizing the story of the Hanukkah miracle and the victory of light over darkness, a message of hope greatly needed today.

This year has seen illness, death, quarantine, closures and business collapses, all amidst an overwhelming sense of sheer confusion and despair. I

This year’s global campaign will see Chabad reach 8 million Jews in more than 100 countries. With safety measures limiting many in-person gatherings, Chabad will erect some 15,000 large public menorahs, which will be seen by millions on streets and public squares around the world, including in front of landmarks such as the White House, the Eiffel Tower, and the Kremlin.

Chabad-organized menorah parades will see over 6,500 menorah-topped cars hit the road, bringing the Chanukah message of hope and joy through the city and into residential neighbourhoods, allowing families to safely share the joy and light of Chanukah with pride.

Throughout the State of QLD, Chabad will be organizing other giant menorah displays.