It is a leading light!
A huge crowd gathered outside Prospect Park on Sunday to witness the giant menorah at Grand Army Plaza light up for this first time this Hanukkah, and the rabbi responsible claims his holy candelabra outshone all other around the globe.
“There are many menorahs all over the world but we give off the most light,” said Rabbi Shimon Hecht of the Chabad of Park Slope.
Hecht also claims the colossal candle-holder is the tallest on the planet, though a Manhattan menorah disputes that title. It is, nevertheless, the largest in Brooklyn — the center bulb hits a peak height of 33-foot-11 and is lit via cherry picker.
Around 1,500 people turned out to celebrate the first night of this year’s Festival of Lights. Attendees noshed on latkes and danced up a storm to the music of Jewish rock band Pey Dalid alongside guys dressed in dreidel costumes, and just generally had a great time, Hecht said.
“People who came the first night had a great time,” he said. “They felt it was a great display of freedom and they were very excited to be part of it.”
The festivities will continue every night through Dec. 13, with more music, latkes, and gifts for kids.
Visit the menorah lighting at Grand Army Plaza (between Plaza Street West and Plaza Street East in Prospect Heights, www.chaba
