Milton Keynes Jewish community to light giant Menorah at Bletchley Park
Sunday's free event at WWII code-breaking site that employed Jewish servicemen and women is open to members of the public
For the third consecutive year, Chabad Jewish Centre of Milton Keynes is hosting a public menorah lighting and Chanukah party at the Bletchley Park heritage site and museum, home to Britain’s code-breaking efforts during World War Two.
Free and open to members of the public, the event on Sunday 14 December will feature a 9-foot menorah, entertainment, a magic show, hot drinks and traditional Chanukah foods.
Rabbi Yitzchak Lew, Director at Chabad Jewish Centre of Milton Keynes, said: “We are immensely honoured to announce the third public menorah lighting at Bletchley Park, a landmark that represents the victory of good over evil. The Jewish community has always resolved to celebrate their identity with more confidence and resolve. This public Chanukah celebration is about sharing light and joy with Milton Keynes and the broader community.”
The Menorah will be on display alongside the Mansion with an information board explaining the historical links between Bletchley Park and Judaism.
During World War Two, Bletchley Park employed dozens of Jewish service men and women. The Jewish personnel, many with personal connections to the horrors unfolding in Europe, contributed significantly to the code-breaking efforts that aided the allied war effort.
Pre-war, the Mansion at Bletchley Park was home to a prominent Jewish family from London, The Leons, and is an example of the phenomenon later described as ‘Jewish Country Houses’ that developed in the 19th century.
The event is one of more than 150 menorah lightings organised by Chabad Lubavitch centres across the UK.
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