Join Hackney’s Hanukkah celebrations on Thursday 7 December

People of all backgrounds are invited to come together in Hackney Town Hall Square to join the borough’s annual Hanukkah celebrations on Thursday 7 December.

Hanukkah is the eight-day Jewish ‘festival of lights’ celebrated with the nightly lighting of a multi-branched candelabra, known as a menorah.

A special 12ft menorah will stand in Town Hall Square for the duration of Hanukkah, with one light illuminated every evening over eight nights.

Residents can see the first lighting of the menorah and hear a blessing by Rabbi Herschel Gluck OBE from 6pm. Visit Love Hackney to tune in to the livestream and for more information.

Event details: 

6pm: Welcome by Cllr Etti and introduction by Rabbi Gluck OBE 

6.15pm: First menorah light switched on 

6:20pm: Guests are invited into Town Hall for music by Miles De Cruz and refreshments 

6.30pm: Welcome and introduction by Mayor of Hackney Caroline Woodley 

6.40pm: Speech by Speaker of Hackney Anya Sizer 

6.45pm: Speech by Rabbi Gluck OBE 

7pm: Music from Simon Marks School Choir and Miles De Cruz plus refreshments 

Our resident’s safety is a priority for all our event security and staff. To ensure your safety, vigilent security staff will be overseeing the proceedings. Please arrive early to get your security bag check carried out before entering Town Hall. 

The Chanukah Lights remind us of the miraculous events which enabled the continuation of regular life and freedom. May this continue to be an inspiration to us all.

Rabbi Herschel Gluck OBE

All residents and visitors from any background are welcome to enjoy the music and blessings as we mark this special Hanukkah celebration together. In times of division it's important to highlight the message that Hackney values all its communities. Hackney is no place for hate. We do not tolerate antisemitism, harassment or abuse in our borough. Together, we will continue to root out all forms of hate crime or racism in our communities.

Cllr Anya Sizer, Speaker of Hackney

Hackney is a place where diversity is celebrated and we work together to find unity. This Hanukkah, as we light each Menorah candle, we will also share our appreciation of the moments of solidarity, kindness and understanding we see each and every day across our borough, fostering a spirit of healing and belonging.
 

Caroline Woodley, Mayor of Hackney