Posted to Chanukah on

World’s Largest Shabbos Candle Menorah!

ILLINOIS [CHI] — Most people think of 8 when it comes to the candles on the Menorah. Not this Menorah, there are over 6,500 candles that make up this unique Menorah! The majestic menorah tops 8 feet and is brilliantly arranged on display at the school, using both tea lights and FridayLight.org kits.

In honor of Chanukah, the Jewish festival of lights, the fourth grade class of Seymour J. Abrams Cheder Lubavitch Hebrew Day School in Skokie, Illinois decided to bring some more light to the world. Together with their teacher, Rabbi Avraham Varnai, they decided to build a menorah of light. The idea of this Menorah is for the light to shine long after the holiday is over. After Chanukah is over, the students will distribute the candles around the world so that Jewish women and girls can have the opportunity to fulfill their special obligation of kindling the Shabbat/Sabbath candles just before sunset each Friday.

But the uniqueness of this Menorah goes even further. The students of this class have undertaken this project, where hundreds and hundreds of women and girls will light these Shabbos Candles with the idea to bring merit to two individuals in our community; Menachem Mendel Ben Sara and Chaya Brocho Miriam Shira Bas Mira, who are in need of a speedy recovery. The students took of their own time and effort raising funds for the sole purpose of bringing merit to others, to add a little more light to the world.

It is with great appreciation that we recognize and thank FridayLight.org, our main sponsor, an organization dedicated to bringing more light into the world and to share the light with others.

On Thursday, Dec. 2, in honor of the second night of Chanukah, hundreds of students and parents gathered to witness the lighting of this unique Menorah. Rabbi Yitzchok Wolf, dean of the school explained how special this Menorah is since it is a Mitzvah which will lead to many more Mitzvahs.

Rabbi Daniel Moscowitz, Head Shliach to the state of Illinois addressed the audience and told the students how this type of Menorah is an example of what a Chossid is supposed to be; a Lamplighter. The students of Cheder were then treated to delicious doughnuts and to a performance by the Cheder Choir under the direction of Rabbi Mendel Moscowitz.

Related Articles

8 Comments

  • From a very grateful parent

    Rabb Avraham Varnai (in Chicago, not Montreal as the beginning of the article writes) has been a shining light to the Jewish community in Chicago. He has raised the level of Jewish education in Chicago to another level, another notch.
    The Lubavitch Cheder has gained so much by having him as a Rebbe, he brings excitement and is a breath of fresh air for the school.

  • AWESOME!

    OWOWOWOWOWOW THATS AMAZING I LOVE SEEING PICTURE SOF THESE REALLY COOL MENORAHS PEOPLE MAKE!!!!

  • Boruch Sholom Wolf

    Awesome menorah made by greatest guy, Rabbi Varnai. May you go from strength to strength. Happy Chanukah!

  • the Brummels

    Zalmy Jaworowski!! We see you in the picture, that was exciting!!! Best love, from Bubby, Zeidi, Sara Chana, Sheina, Mendy and Zevy!!! xoxoxoxoxoxxo

  • Abba Varnai

    Rabbi Varnai:
    You and the children have done it again!!!!!
    From your VERY proud family of Betar Illit and beyond.

  • great job!

    This is really great to see. A real kiddush Hashem and kiddush lubavitch. Go Cheder Lubavitch, and go 4th grade and Rabbi Varnai. Keep up the great work!