Giant Menorah Lighting in Stamford Hill Draws Record Crowd of Over 1,200 People
The 5th annual Giant Menorah Lighting in Stamford Hill took place on the 6th night of Chanukah, Monday, December 30th, and set a new record with over 1,200 attendees of all ages—from infants to seniors. The event, organized by Lubavitch Stamford Hill and the Lubavitch Children’s Centre, was a spectacular celebration of Jewish tradition, unity, and community spirit.
The evening began with joyous singing and a welcoming address by the shliach to Stamford Hill Rabbi Sholem Ber Sudak, the Master of Ceremonies, who guided the crowd through the night’s festivities. Rabbi Shmuel Lew, Senior member of Hanholah, also delivered an inspiring speech, reflecting on the significance of Chanukah and the strength of the local Jewish community.
One of the special highlights of the night was when children were called up to recite the 12 Pesukim (verses). The crowd joined in, echoing the children’s recitations, creating a powerful communal moment. This beautiful display of unity was followed by a recitation of Tehilim (Psalms) by Dayan Levi Y. Raskin, a beloved community leader, who also delivered an inspiring address before leading the crowd in song.
A special video presentation of the Lubavitcher Rebbe was shown live on a large screen, offering the audience a deeply moving connection to the Rebbe’s message, helping to further elevate the spiritual experience of the evening.
Thanks to the use of a boom camera and a drone, the event was captured from every angle, ensuring that all attendees had a clear view of the proceedings, with live footage streamed on the large screen. This technology provided an immersive experience, allowing everyone to feel involved in the communal celebration, no matter their location.
The centerpiece of the evening was the lighting of the Giant Menorah. In a heartwarming moment, long-time educator Rabbi Dovid Karnovsky was honored with the privilege of lighting the menorah on the 6th night, marking his decades of dedication to the Stamford Hill community. The Menorah was designed by renowned artist Yitzchok Moully.
Singer Shloimy Gertner, together with Yehudah Potash led the community in the song of Haneros Halalu. After the lighting, Moully led the crowd in creating an interactive art piece called “An Overflowing Dreidel,” where attendees contributed to the artwork, which will soon be displayed outside Lubavitch House.
Rabbi Mendel Sudak, local shliach, project manager and organizer of the Giant Menorah, ensured the smooth execution of the event and oversaw the lighting of the menorah each night of Chanukah, with Meir leading the nightly lighting using a cherry picker.
Community Voices:
“This is what Stamford Hill is all about—coming together as one,” said Miriam, a local mother who attended with her children. “It was truly beautiful to see so many people from all different backgrounds and ages, all celebrating together as a community. This is what Chanukah is meant to be—unity, light, and joy.”
“I’ve never seen anything like this before,” said Daniel, a long-time resident. “The number of people who came out tonight, from all parts of the community, was incredible. It’s amazing to witness such a huge gathering, especially in such a tight-knit area like Stamford Hill. It really felt like one big family.”
“It was a breathtaking experience,” said Rachel, who brought her grandparents to the event. “The sense of unity, the excitement, and the way everyone was so connected in the moment—it was like the whole community was one big celebration of light. The live streaming of the event on the big screen made it feel like no one was left out, no matter where they were standing.”
This year’s Giant Menorah Lighting was a resounding success, not only for its record-breaking attendance but for its strong sense of unity, joy, and community engagement. The event has firmly established itself as one of Stamford Hill’s most anticipated annual celebrations.
Lubavitch House and the Lubavitch Children’s Centre extend their thanks to all who attended and contributed to the success of this unforgettable evening. A Special thank you will go to the police department for securing our event and we were honoured by the attendance of superintendent Mr Jai Singh.
About Lubavitch Stamford Hill:
Lubavitch Stamford Hill is part of the global Lubavitch movement, dedicated to strengthening Jewish life through education, outreach, and community engagement. With a focus on creating a welcoming and inspiring environment, Lubavitch Stamford Hill is committed to serving all members of the community and fostering a sense of unity and tradition.For media inquiries, please contact:
Lubavitch House Stamford Hill
Email: sbsudak@gmail.com
