Giant Menorah lights up Shoreline, as part of World’s Largest Hanukkah Observance

Shoreline Mayor Will Hall prepares to light the first candle

Photos courtesy Chabad of Shoreline

This past Sunday, December 2, 2018, Chabad of Shoreline kindled a public 9-foot Hanukkah menorah erected at Shoreline City Hall, followed by a community-wide celebration, the 1st night of the eight-day holiday.

The ceremony, organized by Chabad-Lubavitch Rabbi Sadya Davidoff, featured prominent community officials, including Shoreline City Mayor Will Hall, who had the honor of lighting the first lamp on the giant Menorah, and Shoreline chief of police Shawn Ledford.

Following the menorah lighting ceremony, attendees danced, sang and ate the night away. Delicious hot Latkes and homemade jelly donuts were served and a special Chanuka drawing on five amazing prizes was made. The children watched a special Olive oil factory presentation given by Seattle Rabbi Shimon Emlin.

“The menorah serves as a symbol of Shoreline's dedication to preserve and encourage the right and liberty of all its citizens to worship G‑d freely, openly, and with pride. 

"This is true especially in America, a nation that was founded upon and vigorously protects the right of every person to practice his or her religion free from restraint and persecution,” said Rabbi Davidoff.

Raffle prizes on display

"I want my kids to grow up with pride in their Jewish heritage and a feeling of equality and self-confidence as Americans” said Michelle of Shoreline, who is looking forward to attending the public menorah lighting. 

“Chabad Lubavitch’s Hanukkah menorahs are arguably one of the most important developments ever to help my child’s education. I wish they had this where I grew up.”

Mayor Hall lighting the menorah

The Menorah lighting is part of the worldwide Hanukkah campaign, an initiative launched by the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory, in 1973. The campaign highlights and encourages the central theme of the holiday — publicizing the story of the Hanukkah miracle.

“The message of Hanukkah is the message of light,” added Rabbi Davidoff. “The nature of light is that it is always victorious over darkness. A small amount of light dispels a lot of darkness. Another act of goodness and kindness, another act of light, can make all the difference.”

Today, the unprecedented public display of Hanukkah has become a staple of Jewish cultural and religious life, forever altering the American practice and awareness of the festival.

Shoreline Mayor Will Hall and Rabbi Sadya Davidoff

Shoreline's menorah is one of more than 15,000 large public menorahs sponsored by Chabad in more than 100 countries around the world, including in front of landmarks such as the White House, the Eiffel Tower, and the Kremlin, helping children and adults of all walks of life discover and enjoy the holiday message

Throughout the State of Washington, Chabad is busy presenting dozens of Hanukkah events and celebrations, including public Menorah Lightings, Giant Menorahs made out of Donuts and Legos, Menorah Parades, Latkes Parties, Giant Dreidel Houses and more.

To find a local event in Washington, or practically anywhere throughout the world, visit the international Hanukkah event directory.

More information about Hanukkah and a local schedule of events HERE.