The world's largest menorah was lit in Manhattan

The Jewish tradition of lighting a menorah on Hanukkah is an expression of religious identity, but for many this year, the tradition is threatening. The New York Police Department was already on high alert, and now it is further strengthening security at public events, reports CBS News.

Hanukkah this year is taking place at a difficult time for the Jewish people: the war between Israel and Hamas, the rise of anti-Semitism. Many New York Jews say it's especially important to celebrate Hanukkah loudly this year.

Lighting menorah in Manhattan

With anti-Jewish hatred on the rise, some families chose to keep the celebration private, but others in the community came together and lit the world's largest menorah in Manhattan.

It is so tall (more than 9 meters in height) that the rabbi needed a lift to light the first candle. Chabad sets up a menorah every year and claims it is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest in the world.

Many years ago it was created by an Israeli artist, inspired by the design of the original menorah in the Holy Temple of Jerusalem.

On the subject: How to celebrate Hanukkah in New York: the best events

The Holy Temple is the central part of the Hanukkah story. Over 2000 years ago, the temple was under siege and Jews were forced to worship Greek gods. The Jewish people fought back and won.

To rededicate the temple, they needed oil to light the menorah. It was supposed to last only for one night, but miraculously the flame burned for eight days.

Light through the darkness

It was a very difficult moment, because December 7th is exactly two months since the start of the war between Israel and Hamas.

“Hanukkah is a reminder of strength, resilience and the ability to find light in darkness, and if ever in our history in New York we needed to find light after darkness, it is now. But what people are going through is unspeakable, and it has to stop. However, I know that we will rise together and we will not be intimidated, we will not be silenced, we will not be bullied into submission, we will rise and we will prevail,” said Governor Kathy Hochul.

At Temple Emanu-El on the Upper East Side, Rabbi Joshua Davidson was joined by Catholic Archbishop Cardinal Timothy Dolan. “Suffering is bad enough. Suffering alone is even worse,” Dolan noted.

“In moments of fear, it is very important to have friends who stand next to you. You put your light next to their light, and then even the darkest night becomes light,” Davidson emphasized.

Jews celebrate Hanukkah publicly to spread a message of light and hope. This year, Chabad has installed more than 15 public menorahs in more than 000 countries, including at the White House and the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

Menorah in Roslyn (Long Island)

“This is a festival of light, so light must prevail over darkness,” said Orna Neutra, who used a bucket truck to light the menorah in Roslyn.

Her 22-year-old son, Omer, was born and raised in Nassau County. After graduating from high school, he moved to Israel and enlisted in the Israel Defense Forces. On October 7, he was taken hostage by Hamas militants. “They were guarding the border, guarding villages that we all know needed protection, but they were not prepared for this invasion and they were captured. We haven't heard from him since then,” Neutra said.

For some Jews, this painful moment inspires them to come together. “We are not going to be afraid and we are not going to hide. Some suggest removing the menorah indoors. On the contrary, we were taught that on Hanukkah we should go out and light it up,” said Roslin resident Yakov Vilansky.

In addition to the NYPD, the governor ordered the State Police and National Guard to increase patrols during the Hanukkah holiday.