The famous skyline in Hong Kong looked a bit different this past week as Chabad’s Giant Menorah and first-time Car Parade brought an added dimension of light. “Although we have been doing this for 21 years, this year’s events introduced a new meaning of Chanukah to Hong Kong” says Rabbi Avtzon, head shliach of China.
Over 400 people gathered to watch the Giant Menorah being lit. The annual Giant Menorah lighting has become one of the best attended events in the Jewish community throughout the year. The Menorah is lit with giant torches and takes place in the very heart of the Central District of Hong Kong and is surrounded by the Legislative Council Building of Hong Kong as well as the famous Bank of China and HSBC Headquarters. The Menorah continues to stand in its place throughout Chanukah and is lit electronically each night.
This year, Chabad of Hong Kong introduced the Chanuka Car Parade for the very first time. The Kiddush Hashem that was created as this convoy of cars drove through this Asian city was beyond description. Both the participants and onlookers could only be inspired by the message of “Light up the world with acts of Kindness” written in both English and Chinese.