Chanukah on the Square

Chanukah (or Hanukkah) is the Jewish festival of lights and London is having its official celebration of the event tomorrow evening, 11 December, in Trafalgar Square. The Mayor and leading members of London’s Jewish community will be lighting a specially designed 30ft Menorah, an eight stemmed candelabrum, in a ceremony that takes place between 5pm-7pm and is free to attend.

The celebration of Hanukkah started around 2,400 years ago and commemorates the Jewish struggle for religious freedom and the rebuilding of the Jewish temple in Jerusalem after its desecration by the Syrians. Menorahs have eight lights because the original one stayed lit for eight days even though there was only a small jar of oil available to fuel it.

The Mayor of London and Rabbi Gershon Overlander of Chabad House in Hendon will light the eighth and final candle of the Menorah and a choir will be on hand to sing traditional Jewish songs. If you’re planning to attend they are handing out free hot potato ‘latkes’ and traditional doughnuts after the ceremony as well as chocolate money for kids.