From Days Gone By: First Ever Public Menorah

Rabbi Avraham Shemtov, director of Chabad of Philadelphia, inaugurates the first ever public menorah in an early morning lighting ceremony in 1974, in front of Independence Hall.

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12 Comments

  • Michoel Sel

    left- R’ shimon Galawinsky

    next to Rabbi Shemtov- R’ Avrohom Zaklikofsky

    it seems that the lighter is the older R’ Galawinsky

  • yitzchok teitelbaum

    It was Rabbi David Galowinsky that came up with the idea to make the first public lighting. He is the one lighting the menorah. Please give the proper created due and put his name under the picture.Rabbi David Galowinsky also made the first matzah bakery for kids.yitzchok

  • No Mistake

    the small menorah that is shown here with rabbi shemtov were lit in many parts of the world for many years before 1974, like in front of many shules synagogues etc..especially in Israel. the bill grahem menorah was the first GIANT menorah.