Chanukah Celebrated in Australian Capital Territory

Chabad of Canberra, Australia’s Capital Territory, lit a public six foot Menorah erected at Westfield Belconnen in the presence of hundreds of people. It was followed by a community-wide celebration kicking off the first night of Chanukah.

The ceremony featured Canberra’s Rabbi Shmueli Feldman, Deputy Israeli Ambassador Meir Yitzchaki, Entertainment for the children, live music, traditional Chanukah songs performed by children from Chabad’s local Hebrew School and many hundreds of doughnuts, latkes, refreshments, Chanukah menorah kits, all distributed free of charge.

From Rabbi Feldman’s speech: “The Menorahs in Canberra serve as a symbol of Australia’s dedication to preserve and encourage the right and liberty of all its citizens to worship G-d freely, openly, and with pride.”

Public Menorah lightings at malls have been taking place worldwide for years; however, this event marked the first time a Menorah was lit in a Canberra mall. On this note Rabbi Shmueli Feldman further remarked, “The founders of Westfield were two Jewish Holocaust survivors who found refuge in Australia from the Nazis. It is therefore especially moving to see how in Australia’s Capital the Menorah is standing and shining proudly in Westfield.”

Tanya Ratner of Canberra, who attended the public menorah lighting with her husband and children, commented: “I want my kids to grow up with pride in their Jewish heritage and a feeling of equality and self-confidence as Australians. Chabad’s public Chanukah Menorahs are arguably one of the most important developments to help my children’s religious education and outlook. I wish I had this as a child growing up in Russia.”

Canberra’s public menorahs are from the thousands of large public menorahs sponsored by Chabad throughout the world, helping children and adults of all walks of life discover and enjoy the holiday message.