When
Tuesday 20th December - Wednesday 28th December 2011
Where
Trafalgar Square
See the giant menorah lit up with candles for the Hanukkah London event, in celebration of the Jewish festival of lights. The menorah will be on display at Trafalgar Square so that all of London can see the lights.
The story of Hanukkah
Hanukkah, sometimes known as Chanukah or Chanukkah, began thousands of years ago during a revolt against a successor of Alexander the Great. According to tradition, when the Jews attempted to rededicate their Temple after the successful revolt, there was only enough oil to burn for light for one day – miraculously, the oil lasted for eight days, which is why Hanukkah is known as the festival of lights and is celebrated for eight days.
The menorah
The Hanukkah menorah is a candelabra which holds nine candles – one for each night, plus one in the middle to light the others. One candle is added and lit, from right to left, each night of the festival, accompanied by singing and prayers. For the official celebration of Hanukkah in London, the giant menorah in Trafalgar Square is being installed close to the Christmas tree for a truly multi-cultural winter celebration.
Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree
Modern Hanukkah traditions
Traditionally, Jewish activities on Hanukkah include eating foods fried in oil, like doughnuts or potato pancakes, and playing games with a spinning dreidel. Many Jews also give gifts to family and friends on the holiday. As well as the menorah at Trafalgar Square, other Hanukkah London events include a candle making workshop at the Jewish museum and services at religious venues such as the New London Synagogue.
What's On at the Jewish Museum
New London Synagogue
Menorah lighting 2011
In honour of Hanukkah, the giant menorah at Trafalgar Square will once again be lit up. As with previous celebrations, this year representatives from the Mayor of London's office will join senior figures from the Jewish community as they light the nine low carbon LED bulbs for the Hanukkah London service.
The lighting of the Hanukkah London menorah at Trafalgar Square takes place at nightfall, Tuesday 20th December 2011. The Hanukkah menorah remains in place until Wednesday 28th December 2011.