Contact: Colleen Roche/Brenda Perez (212) 788-2958
On this fifth night of Chanukah, Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani hosted New York City's annual lighting of the Chanukah Menorah in the Surrogate Courthouse Atrium. Joining the Mayor for the celebration were the Honorable Dore Gold, Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations, accompanied by his wife Ofra; the Honorable Shmuel Sisso, Consul General to the State of Israel; and Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis.
The celebration of Chanukah -- the "Festival of Lights" -- commemorates the victory of the Jewish people over religious oppression in the time of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.
"This is one of the happiest of Jewish holidays - a celebration of perseverance, faith, and strength in the face of difficult, almost overwhelming odds," Mayor Giuliani said, noting that the Menorah serves as a powerful symbol of religious freedom. "This is also a time of year that children and families celebrate tradition through exchanging presents, spinning dreidels, making and eating latkes, singing songs, and being together for the lighting of the Menorah."
The Mayor also commended New Yorkers of all backgrounds for coming together to support the Central Synagogue after it was severely damaged by a fire on August 28th. "We should honor that spirit of togetherness as we celebrate Chanukah this year."
The ceremony culminated with the Mayor lighting the Menorah's middle candle ("Shamash"), followed by Cantor Ari Klein of Park East Synagogue leading the singing of "Maoz Tzur," which is traditionally sung after the candle lighting.
In the spirit of gift giving during Chanukah, invitees to the Menorah Lighting Ceremony were asked to bring gifts that will be distributed to children by various Jewish organizations through the Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty. On hand to witness the Menorah lighting were members of the Jewish community, clergy, and public officials. The event was sponsored by J&R Music World/J&R Computer World.