Over 250 people attended the 14th annual grand Menorah Lighting ceremony on Broad Street in central Oxford, with guest of honour, the Lord Mayor of Oxford, Cllr. Mohammed Abbasi.
The highlight of the celebration was the lighting of the giant lit-up 12ft Menorah outside Oxford's oldest college, Balliol College, established 1263. The event was organised by Chabad of Oxford, and supported by Oxford City Council, Oxford County Council, Balliol College, as well as the Oxford Jewish Congregation.
The celebration included a fire juggler, doughnuts, hot drinks, music and addresses by communal, city and university officials and dignitaries, including Rabbi Eli Brackman, director of Chabad of Oxford, Jon Rowland, president of the Oxford Jewish Congregation, Dr. Peter Claus, Access Fellow of Pembroke College, University of Oxford, and the Lord Mayor of Oxford Cllr. Mohammed Abbasi.
The celebration was dedicated to ten years since the passing of the late Dr. Mike Woodin, who was a fellow at Balliol College, head of the Green party and, as a staunch member of the Jewish community of Oxford, served as a key supporter of the founding of the giant Menorah in central Oxford. Green City Cllr. Ruthie Brand offered a special tribute in honour of Mike Woodin.
Rabbi Eli Brackman, director of Chabad of Oxford, who founded the project in 2001, and presided over the celebration, commented that 'it was huge success and beautiful display of communal harmony bringing together the whole Jewish community and people from all religions and cultures to celebrate Jewish tradition and the resilience of Jewish history.
The lighting of the Menorah on other nights of Chanukah included, president of the Oxford University Student Union (OUSU) Louis Trup and former Lord Mayor of Oxford, Cllr. Elise Benjamin.