World's Largest Menorah Lit In New York City To Mark Start Of Chanukah

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Larger in-person gatherings are happening this year, as New Yorkers look to celebrate the holiday season.

On Sunday night, a giant menorah was lit to mark the first night of Chanukah, CBS2's Leah Mishkin reported.

There was dancing and a parade of more than 500 cars drove up Sixth Avenue.

"People want to spread the message that one light can dispel a lot of darkness," Rabbi Shimon Rivkin said.

The 36-foot, 4,000-pound menorah is the largest in the world. It was lit with the help of Mayor-elect Eric Adams.

"Have a happy and safe Chanukah," Adams told the crowd.

"It's really pretty," 7-year-old Cece Caulford said.

Rabbi Shmuel Butman said the lights all around the menorah are to honor those that have passed away during the pandemic.

"This menorah stands as a symbol of light, of inspiration, of strength for all people regardless of race, religion, color or creed," Butman said.

Not far away, at the restaurant Wolf and Lamb, Rabbi Shmuel Metzger and his two daughters celebrated with the traditional latkes and doughnuts during the holiday because the oily foods represent the miracle that took place more than 2,000 years ago in the Holy Temple.

CBS2's Leah Mishkin contributed to this report.

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