Though Jewish people make up less than one percent of the global population, our impact is surely felt far and wide. And while more than half of the Jewish population lives in either the United States or Israel, the smaller communities all around the globe make sure to celebrate our heritage and pay homage to our history on Hanukkah. Check out these magnificent Menorahs that get lit up all over the world this time of year.
BERLIN, GERMANY
Each year, in the center of the city, right against the Brandenburg Gate, the Jewish community in Germany and abroad celebrate the start of Hanukkah with Europe’s tallest menorah. Standing at 33 feet, or 10 meters, this marvelous structure is symbolic in so many ways. It is often lit by a chief of prominent Rabbi alongside the president and accompanied by hundreds of attendees who watch the festival of lights begin while taking in Jewish music and festivities. “We light the first candle as we say the past darkness of the times of the Holocaust are forever gone, and we will light a torch to the future of Jewish life, of positive tolerance in Germany and across Europe,” Rabbi Yehuda Teichtal said at last year’s lighting.
SOURCE: Chabad.org
JERUSALEM, ISRAEL
The menorah’s design can be found in many parts of Israel and represents so much to so many. It is believed that the original menorah stood at roughly 7 feet tall and was made of gold. The “golden menorah” replica today stands in the Jewish Quarter in the old city and was constructed by the Temple Institute based off of extensive research carried out by both experts in academia and the biblical world.
Golden Menorah by Yael5766
SOURCE: www.trekearth.com
KNESSET MENORAH
Given as a gift by the British in 1956, the Knesset Menorah is a frequently-visited artifact amongst tourists in Israel. Also modeled after the golden candelabrum that stood in the Temple in Jerusalem, the Knesset Menorah was designed by Benno Elkan, a Jewish sculptor who escaped from Germany to Britain in 1933. Elkan was known for his distinguished ability to sculpt with bronze and his works can be found all throughout England, as well.
SOURCE: www.tripadvisor.com
TRAFALGAR SQUARE, LONDON
Both modern and abstract, the menorah that’s erected in Trafalgar Square is unlike anything you’ve seen before. This 9 meter menorah was built in a mere six weeks in 2007, and has been a source of joy, pride and light ever since.
SOURCE: https://collive.com/menorah-in-trafalgar-square/
STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN
This statuesque Menorah outside of the Great Synagogue in Sweden’s beautiful capital city is truly a sight to be seen. Jewish visitors frequently argue over whether the menorah is teal or blue, but hey, if it weren’t that, we’d find something else to argue about. The Great Synagogue is the oldest of three synagogues in the country and is located right in the city center.
HONG KONG
Though less than 5,000 Jews live in Hong Kong, the Chabad makes sure to put together a spectacular Hanukkah for the city with a giant menorah at the center of it. The festivities are often accompanied by a Hanukkah Car Parade, in which people place menorahs atop their cars and drive around to light up the city.
Chabad of Hong Kong hosted a Giant Menorah Lighting event for Hanukkah 2017 (Photography: Chabad of Hong Kong via Facebook)
SOURCE: https://thehoneycombers.com/hong-kong/hanukkah-2021-hong-kong/
KIELCE, POLAND
Constructed as a memorial for the roughly 20,000 Jews that were killed in the town of Kielce during World War II, this menorah is more emblematic of the Jewish people’s memory in Poland than any point of practicality. Though it can’t be lit, the structure attracts tourists from around the world who want to learn about the Jewish history of Poland and pay respect to the victims of countless tragedies.
MENSCHIONS.COM
And last but not least... these gorgeous and comical menorah designs are made for you by... us! We print them on our cards for the Hanukkah season and hope you can use them to send a laugh to family and friends! Click here to see all our menorah card designs and more!
