Sydney’s Giant Menorah
For yet another year. Chabad Youth NSW’s Rabbi Elimelech Levy lit the iconic Giant Menorah in Martin Place, celebrating Chanukah in the City of 2024.
Rabbi Elimelech Levy lights the menorah Photos: Sam Babus
The organisers believe the menorah will send a resounding message of hope, resilience, and unity.
Fifty cars and motorbikes adorned with menorahs and Israeli flags paraded through the CBD of Sydney, spreading the light and joy of Chanukah to the broader community.
The event was coordinated by dedicated yeshiva students, whose enthusiasm and effort were instrumental in its success.
The Sydney Menorah, a beacon of Jewish pride since 1986, stands tall against the backdrop of Sydney’s Central Business District.
2016 was the only year the menorah was not displayed in respect of the victims of the Lindt Café siege.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Menorah sending its time-old message of Chanukah.
However, this year’s celebration faced an unexpected challenge with gale-force winds threatening to derail the event.
Against the backdrop of global uncertainty and the ongoing situation in Israel, 600 attendees experienced a profound sense of solidarity, comfort, and collective hope.
The program was launched by Rabbi Elimelech Levy of Chabad Youth NSW, who was both organiser and emcee.
The evening’s keynote address was delivered by Rabbi Pinchus Feldman, the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s emissary to Sydney and NSW since 1968. Rabbi Feldman urged the crowd to remember that even a single act of goodness can make a transformative impact. “When you do the right thing,” he noted, “Hashem supports and uplifts you, guiding you through challenges.”
Federal Labor MP Matt Thistlethwaite, conveyed the Prime Minister’s message of support, emphasizing the importance of Chanukah’s themes in fostering inclusivity, hope, and perseverance during turbulent times.
The program featured stirring prayers led by Rabbi Benjamin Elton of The Great Synagogue, who recited the Mi Sheberach in Hebrew, and Rabbi Danny Yaffe of CBD Chabad Sydney, who followed with its English rendition.
A particularly moving moment came when 13-year-old prodigy Zelig Nussbaum sang the Mi Sheberach, inspiring heartfelt prayers for the swift release of hostages and peace in Israel. His voice brought tears to many and strengthened the community’s shared resolve.
To honour the 10th anniversary of the Lindt Café siege—where two innocent lives were lost just steps from Martin Place—Cantor Yehoshua Niasoff delivered a poignant rendition of Oseh Shalom. The crowd stood in solemn reflection, reminded of the enduring power of hope and light even in the face of darkness.
Rabbi Levy undertook the challenging task of lighting the Martin Place Menorah, ascending in a cherry-picker buffered by fierce winds.
Cantor Menachem Feldman of The Great Synagogue, led the crowd in a heartfelt rendition of the traditional Maoz Tzur.
The evening concluded with a dazzling performance by Dauntless, a three-man acrobatic team whose gravity-defying feats captivated the audience, and a raffle that added an extra spark of excitement.
Rabbi Levy said: “Chanukah in the City 2024 was more than just an event—it was a testament to the enduring strength of the Jewish spirit and a profound reminder of the power of light over darkness.
A heartfelt thank you goes to Avremi Joseph, Program Manager of Chabad Youth NSW, and all the volunteers and helpers who worked tirelessly to make the event a success.
As the menorah’s candles burned brightly, they illuminated not just the city of Sydney but the hearts of all who were present, offering a beacon of hope and inspiration for the days ahead.”
