Chabad of Oxford hosted its 12th annual giant Menorah lighting ceremony in celebration of the holiday of Chanukah on Broad Street in central Oxford in the presence of the Lord Mayor of Oxford, Councillor Alan Armitage, and other dignitaries and university fellows.
The 12Fft Menorah that is modelled on the Eiffel Tower Menorah in Paris stands each year outside one of Oxford’s oldest colleges Balliol College founded in 1263 and is noted by the City Council of Oxford as an annual tradition in this 900 year old city.
Rabbi Eli Brackman, director of Chabad of Oxford, addresses the 200 strong crowed on the theme of Chanukah as a holiday that celebrates the spirituality of Judaism that is commemorated by the lights and the triumph of light over dark and spirituality over materialism.
Other dignitaries that attended included former Lord Mayor of Oxford Councillor Elise Benjamin, Councillor Mary Clarkson, and Councillor Jean Faulks. On behalf of the Oxford Faculty, Emeritus Professor Gillian Kay Morris attended and spoke in honour of the occasion, as well as other leading university fellows.
The lighting was dedicated in memory of the late Dr. Mike Woodin, who was a Jewish Fellow at Balliol College, former Head of the Green Party of Oxford and instrumental in the establishment of the public lighting of the Menorah in Oxford.
The lighting ceremony was accompanied by a fire juggling show and music, followed by a well attended Chanukah party for students, faculty and community in the Massey Room at Balliol College.
Other celebrations during holiday included a well attended Chanukah party at the Oxford Ice Rink for young families and children.
Tayyar wrote...