Sydney’s CBD Menorah
Chabad Youth NSW hosted the Giant-Menorah lighting ceremony joining the Sydney community in celebrating Chanukah, the Festival of Lights.
Rabbi Elimelech Levy and Rabbi Danny Yaffe light the menorah Pic: Noel Kessel
During the event, tribute was paid to the victims of the Lindt Cafe siege.
The candle-lighting ceremony took place at Martin Place with government representatives and business and community leaders taking part.
Before the Menorah lighting ceremony, Senator Andrew Bragg spoke bringing greetings from Prime Minister Scott Morrison outlining the great contribution the New South Wales Jewish community has made to the country.
Walt Secord Photo: Noel Kessel
Marjorie O’Neil MP shared greetings with the crowd and also brought a special message from Anthony Albanese MP, leader of federal opposition. she spoke of Chanukah being a time for healing and rebirth like the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem.
Speaker of New South Wales Parliament Jonathan O’Dea spoke highly of the Sydney Jewish community and brought special greetings from the state Premier, Gladys Berejiklian.
A regular at the Chanukah event Walt Secord MLC shared how 32 years prior, he had been a journalist for the Australian Jewish News and the then Premier, Nick Greiner went up in the cherry picker with Rabbi Feldman to light the Menorah. Walt also shared greetings on behalf of the state leader of the opposition Jodie McKay.
On behalf of Sydney City Council who host the Giant Menorah in Martin Place, Councillor Linda Scott shared warm greetings and her gladness to be part of such a wonderful occasion.
Rabbi Pinchus Feldman, Head Shliach and personal emissary of the Lubavitcher Rebbe to NSW since 1968 spoke about Chanukah and the great miracle we live today – in such an open and helpful society where we are supported in our religion and service of G-d, something the Jewish people have not been able to enjoy for many generations.
Rabbi Elimelech Levy, Director of Chabad Youth NSW was master of ceremonies and organiser of the event. Rabbi Levy spoke of another lesson we learn from Chanukah, each day we add another light, life is a process and we add step by step just like the kindling of the Menorah in our personal journey of growth.
Due to Covid restrictions, Only 100 people were allowed to join in the seated area a
Rising close to 10 metres high, a giant menorah was lit by Rabbi Levy and Rabbi Danny Yaffe using a cherry picker.
“Chanukah celebrates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and overthrow of the tyrants more than 2,000 years ago,” said Rabbi Levy, “It is an occasion for all men and women to demonstrate their support for the peace, unity and the freedom we are so lucky to enjoy in Australia.”
In tribute to the victims and survivors of the Martin Place siege in 2014, close to the Giant Menorah, Cantor Yehoshua Niasoff sang the traditional prayer of Oseh Shalom, creating peace in our world.
Photos: Noel Kessel
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