Intercontinental “Chanukah Live” Lighting of the Menorah Held Monday Night

The intercontinental “Chanukah Live” lighting of the first night of Chanukah took place in front of the Eiffel Tower Monday night, in unison with the lighting at the Western Wall in Jerusalem and in the Rebbe’s office in New York.

The ceremony was presided over by Rabbi Mendel Azimov, Director of the Lubavitch Beth of Paris and Île-de-France.

In attendance were Ms. Rachida Dati, Minister of Culture; the presidents of the Central Consistory, the Consistory of Paris, the FSJU (United Jewish Social Fund), and the CRIF (Representative Council of Jewish Institutions of France); as well as the Chief Rabbi of Paris, Rabbi Michel Guggenheim.

Musical accompaniment was provided by the Yossef Brami Orchestra, featuring singer Shmil.

A significant security presence was in place.

Despite the current circumstances, the event drew a very large crowd, reflecting a strong commitment to the values of light, unity, and hope embodied by Hanukkah.

photos by: Mordechai Lubecki