Hackney to host Hanukkah celebration on Sunday 18 December
On Sunday 18 December residents are invited to come together for the borough’s annual Hanukkah celebration event, with the first lighting of the Menorah in Hackney Town Hall Square.
The lighting of the Menorah signals the start of the Jewish “festival of lights”. The special 12ft Menorah will stand in Hackney Town Hall Square for the duration of Hanukkah. One light will be illuminated every evening over the next eight nights.
The event, which is live-streamed from 6-6.30pm, will be hosted by Cllr Sade Etti and includes musical performances from Simon Marks Jewish Primary School Choir, speeches from Mayor of Hackney Philip Glanville and Hackney Speaker Cllr Humaira Garasia, and a blessing from Rabbi Herschel Gluck OBE.
The festival of Hannukah celebrates the miracle of those who are weak and with limited resources overcoming the odds against the tyranny of the strong, and symbolises light illuminating and dispelling the darkness. It is a message that all people in Hackney and beyond can relate to and draw inspiration from.
Hackney Council is delighted to be carrying out the lighting of the Menorah. All are welcome to enjoy the music and a blessing from Rabbi Gluck as we mark this special Hanukkah celebration together as a community.
Event details are as follows:
6.00pm - Performance by Simon Marks Jewish Primary School Choir
6.05pm - Speech by Mayor of Hackney Philip Glanville
6.07pm - Speech by Speaker of Hackney Cllr Humaira Garasia
6.12pm - Blessing by Rabbi Gluck OBE
6.20pm - Menorah lights switched on
6.21pm - Performance by Simon Marks Jewish Primary School Choir
6.30pm - Closing thanks and invitation to all guests to enter Town Hall for tea, coffee and doughnuts
Tune in to the livestream here: www.lovehackney.uk/hanukkah