The Jewish festival of Chanukah will be marked by a special lighting ceremony of a giant 30ft Menorah in Trafalgar Square, the Mayor of London Boris Johnson has announced.

On Wednesday 16th December, Deputy Mayor Richard Barnes will light the Menorah at a celebration on the Square, with traditional donuts and potato latkes, Gelt (chocolate coins) and a live performance by Yiddish singer Shlomo Gertner.

Mayor Boris Johnson said: ‘Greetings to all Londoners celebrating Chanukah, the festival of lights. The story of Chanukah gives us all hope. Two millennia ago, having secured the Jewish people’s freedom and following years of war and economic ruin, the Maccabees immediately turned their attention to rededicating their Temple. In relighting the Menorah at the center of their Temple they showed faith in their future in immediately rebuilding their institutions and their lives.

‘Today, the lighting of the Menorah represents this re-dedication and brings a message of hope and freedom to all Londoners. In Trafalgar Square we have erected London’s giant menorah, which I hope this year will be a shining beacon of hope for all Londoners as the capital leads Britain out of the recession. Happy Chanukah.’

Event: Menorah lighting ceremony in Trafalgar Square
Date: Wednesday 16 December 2009
Time: 6pm -7.30pm
Location: Trafalgar Square

Entry: FREE – ALL WELCOME

PROGRAMME (subject to change)
6pm
Welcome from MC Rabbi Sufrin. Shlomo Gertner song recital
Welcome by Deputy Mayor Richard Barnes
Musical performance 6.20pm
Lighting of the Menorah 6.30pm
Music and presentation of chocolate Gelt (coins) to children 6.45pm
Chanukah food offered to audience 7.30pm

Source: London.gov

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