“Did you bring your menorah?” someone jokingly asks as we gather around the Menorah Sculpture in Daley Plaza. This isn’t just any menorah. It’s a Chicago icon, standing tall and proud.
The City’s Menorah is a beloved holiday tradition. For over 40 years, the Chabad Center for Jewish Life has installed it here. Think of it as Chicago’s way of celebrating Hanukkah.
This massive menorah is hard to miss. It stands 31 feet high. It’s 18 feet wide. It weighs 5 tons in total. The Menorah Sculpture is the centerpiece for the city’s annual Menorah lighting ceremony at the corner of Dearborn and Washington Streets.
The lighting ceremony is a big event. The Jewish community comes together for the eight-day holiday. In 1987, Rabbi Meir Chai Benhiyoun brought this tradition to Chicago. He wanted to establish a Jewish center in the city. Now, decades later, his vision stands brightly lit each Hanukkah.
Hanukkah also known as “The Festival of Lights” commemorates the Maccabean Revolt. The Syrian King Antiochus IV Epiphanes told the Jewish people to renounce their religion. They had to accept Greek beliefs or face death. A small group of Jewish rebels fought back. They reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.
When they sought to light the Temple’s menorah they found only enough oil for one day. Miraculously, the flames continued to flicker for eight nights. That is why Hanukkah is celebrated for eight days.
The Hanukkah menorah has nine branches. One for each night. Plus, the “shamash” lights the others.
Each night of Hanukkah, candles are added to the menorah from right to left. But, they are lit starting with the left-most candle. Traditional blessings and songs are recited. The lighting occurs after sunset. Except on Fridays, the menorah is lit before the Shabbat candles.
In recent years, the menorah lighting has also become a moment for reflection. During one ceremony Rabbi Benhiyoun called for the release of hostages.
Chicago’s menorah-lighting ceremony includes more than just the lighting. There are warm latkes and jelly donuts. People dance to live music. Mayor Brandon Johnson once lit the central candle. He spoke about unity. “The festival of lights reminds us that light triumphs over darkness” he said. “And unity will always prevail over division.”
So, as you stand before the Menorah Sculpture remember its story. Remember the traditions. Remember the message of light over darkness. This towering menorah represents faith, resilience and community. It is a beacon of hope during Hanukkah and beyond.