JW3 series of virtual Chanukah celebrations starts with Sadiq Khan tonight

JW3’s online Chanukah events began Thursday evening with London Mayor Sadiq Khan, as thousands looked set to tune in over several nights.

The free events “to light up the dark winter nights” will start with the lighting of the JW3 Menorah followed by a series of well-known names, including comedy legend and Jewish News columnist Jackie Mason from his home in New York.

Starting every night at 6.30pm, the open-to-all events promise “inspirational words” from celebrities including actress and comedian Jessica Chaffin, TV personality and barrister Rob Rinder, American novelist Nicole Krauss, guitarist Luther Dickinson, author Howard Jacobson, musician Ivor Novello, and composer Sam Eastmond.

“As we come to the end of a very dark year, we figured everyone could do with a bit of light and joy,” said JW3 chief executive Raymond Simonson.

“And as we can’t all be physically with friends and family to light the Chanukah candles… we wanted to find a way to bring us all together virtually to light up the nights. So, we created a week of Chanukah Spark Nights.”

The Finchley Road centre has now re-opened its doors following the end of the second lockdown and is running Covid-secure, on-site children’s activities over the holiday, including a sports camp. Cinema is also back on the menu.