New York City is set to mark the commencement of the Festival of Lights with the lighting of the world’s largest Hanukkah menorah in Central Park. Standing at an impressive 32 feet tall, the menorah will be illuminated at 5:30 p.m. on December 7, heralding the beginning of the eight-day celebration.

Key highlights of the event:

1. Grand Army Plaza Location: The towering Hanukkah menorah is situated in Central Park’s Grand Army Plaza, providing a picturesque backdrop for the festive occasion. The lighting ceremony is organized by the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation.
2. Record-Breaking Dimensions: Recognized by Guinness World Records since 2006, the menorah holds the title of the world’s largest. Its colossal dimensions include a height of 32 feet, a width of 28 feet, and a weight of 4,000 pounds.
3. Halacha-Compliant Design: Crafted based on a hand drawing by Maimonides, following the design of the original Menorah in the Holy Temple of Jerusalem, the structure adheres to Halacha (Jewish law). It is noted as the largest size permitted by Halacha.
4. Hanukkah Celebration: The lighting of the menorah is a symbolic ritual repeated over eight nights, symbolizing the miraculous event of the Temple’s rededication in Jerusalem during the 2nd century B.C.E. The festival of Hanukkah commemorates the oil that miraculously burned for eight days when there was only enough for one.
5. Scheduled Lighting Dates: The Central Park menorah will be kindled at 5:30 p.m. on December 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 14. Additional lightings are scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on December 12 and 8:30 p.m. on December 13.
6. Brooklyn Celebration: Simultaneously, a similarly large menorah will be lit in Brooklyn’s Grand Army Plaza, heralded as the largest menorah in the borough. The Brooklyn ceremony will feature live music, gifts for children, and hot latkes. A kickoff concert will precede the lighting at 5 p.m. on December 7.

As the iconic menorah illuminates the New York City skyline, the celebrations aim to bring joy and unity during the festive season, welcoming locals and visitors alike to partake in the age-old tradition.