Mayor Joins Chanukah Celebration in Kentucky

Chabad of Kentucky lit a giant 16-foot menorah at their Chanukah on Ice event at 4th Street Live, a community Chanukah celebration on December 21.

The ceremony featured Mayor Greg Fischer, who lit the Menorah. Prior to the Menorah lighting, from 4 p.m. until 5:45 p.m., there was free ice skating, bowling, doughnuts, latkes and plenty of gifts for everyone.

This year’s celebration brings added significance, as Louisville joins thousands of communities worldwide in marking forty years since the first public menorah which was lit at the Liberty Bell in 1974.

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

It all began in 1973 when the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, launched a worldwide Chanukah campaign to create awareness and promote observance of Chanukah.

Louisville’s menorah is one of thousands of large public menorahs throughout the world.

Throughout Kentucky, Chabad-Lubavitch has and will be presenting numerous Chanukah events and celebrations, including public menorah lightings, Menorah parades, latke parties, and more.