Chigwell UK celebrates Chanukah with Queen’s Rep

Chigwell, in Essex displays a beautiful Menorah and hosts an annual Public Lighting organized by Shluchim from nearby Buckhurst Hill – Rabbi Odom & Henny Brandman. The event, now in its 4th year was originally initiated after a local Town Council Official Cllr Brian Sandler was invited as a guest of honour to the Buckhurst Hill Menorah Lighting 5 years ago.

After the event he was so moved, excited and enthused, he said to Rabbi Brandman, “this is so amazing, we must have a Menorah in the neighbouring town of Chigwell next year” where the Councillor lived and served on the Council.

Funds were raised, a beautiful raised flowerbed was built on the Village Green to house the Menorah and a brand new Menorah was designed and built for Chigwell. Designed by Ashley Kennard of Chabad Buckhurst Hill and built by Alan Grant from the nearby Ilford Chabad Centre directed by Rabbi Aryeh Sufrin MBE all was set to begin a new annual lighting ceremony.

As the Chigwell Menorah was so prominent and in such a fantastic location many local dignitaries were invited to the event and the flowerbed, which bears a plague – Donated to the People of Chigwell by Chabad, was unveiled by the local MP (Member of Parliament) who attended the first lighting. This flowerbed bears a constant testament to the contribution of Chabad to the local community.

A lovely turnout this year at the end of Chanukah with Rabbi Brandman acting as MC and with speeches by Rabbi Aryeh Sufrin of Ilford and Rabbi Shindler of the local Chigwell Synagogue. Amongst the dignitaries present was the Chairman of the Epping Forest District Council who is the Queen’s representative for Essex and the Chairman of the Chigwell Parish Council, both of whom were honoured to light up the Shamash together.

The public lighting ended with a surprise performance by Yitzi Muller, son of Ilford Shluchim Rabbi Moshe & Brocho Muller who is now on his way to NY for the finals of the Tzivos Hashem Kids Got Talent Competition.