Series of Chanukah celebrations to take place virtually with live entertainment

A series of virtual menorah lighting from across the country will take place simultaneously next week, in a special Chanukah celebration featuring entertainment from around the world.

With the pandemic preventing the annual Chanukah in the Square event from taking place, Chabad Lubavitch UK have embarked on an ambitious initiative to mark the Festival of Light virtually.

Giant menorahs are being erected across the country with top Jewish musicians and entertainers lined up to perform live.

Share the Light, which will take place on the seventh night of Chanukah, 16 December,  and is media partnered by Jewish News, will include performances from rapper Nissim Black, Chassidic Rock Band 8th Day, magician Ilan Smith and Israeli basketball star Tamir Goodman.

In addition to lighting candles and live performances, viewers will be able to submit designs for menorahs, with the winners judged on the night, receiving prizes. You can submit them here.

Bentzi Sudak, chief executive of Chabad Lubavitch UK, said: “While a new, innovative Menorah will be installed in Trafalgar Square, the annual in-person event won’t be taking place due to Covid-19. Similarly, in the other Cities and towns across the country, the scope for in person events are limited.

“Rather than having separate online events in each place, Chabad Centres combined forces to hold one event that unites all locations, and also allows the community to play an active role in the programme by submitting their Menorah designs for the contest.

“The Virtual event also enables us to bring the best entertainment available from around the world, which wouldn’t be possible in regular circumstances – it promises to be a highly entertaining and uplifting event with something special for everyone.”