NEW YORK, Dec 28, 2021-- The Times Square Menorah Project (FestivalofLightsNY.com) announces plans to create the world's most giant menorah reaching 52' into the sky as preproduction begins a celebrity-filled TV special to light the giant menorah on Dec 18, 2022.

Celebrating the Jewish Festival of Lights with the same prominent media support and enthusiasm as Christmas tree lighting ceremonies is long overdue. So many of the most beloved Christmas songs were written by Jewish composers, including "White Christmas," "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," and "Let it, Snow." The New York-based group recognizes the beauty of Christmas tree lighting ceremonies. Now they want to create something for Hanukkah that reaches the same level of positive media visibility. 

Five hundred thousand people visit the Rockefeller Tree every day. NYC should have a menorah of equal prominence. The proposed Times Square Menorah is an excellent way to accomplish that goal. The team behind this ambitious project includes music, TV, and live event producers with decades of experience creating shows that range from working alongside Dick Clark on New Year's Eve to large concerts on the streets of NYC and even a stint on the road with Guns and Roses (Slash is Jewish). The Chanukah Song by Adam Sandler brought the holiday into the mainstream for millions. So when Dave Dave Grohl released the 'Hanukkah Sessions' with songs by Drake, Beastie Boys and other Jewish Stars earlier this month, they knew the time was right to begin work for 2022.

Hanukkah comes at the end of the year when the light of the day is cut short by long winter nights. The Jewish Festival of Lights drives away the darkness with a flame that miraculously shines bright for eight glorious nights. The struggle against darkness and the need for a miracle is as timeless as the Jewish faith. 

The laws of Hanukkah state it is best to light the menorah in the presence of many people to celebrate the miracle. That makes Times Square the perfect location. Jewish law writes that the menorah should be no higher than 20 am from the ground (approximately 32 feet). One proposal for the Times Square Menorah will be 32' tall and stand on a 20' pedestal topped with ground soil from Israel. Rabbinical consultation will determine the final design.

Scholars have written about menorah displays in cities for almost as long as high rises have existed. An earthen-covered pedestal 20' tall allows a new opportunity to celebrate Hanukkah to bring the Festival of Lights to more people in an exciting way while following Jewish law. They believe people will travel from around the world to see it in person and celebrate. New York City officials have been highly receptive to the project. 

A Kickstarter campaign will aid funding for engineering and architectural design drawings. Limited edition signed & numbered design drawings, prints, architectural sketches, artistic renderings, and NFTs will be made available with a goal of $12,500. Info at FestivalofLightsNY.com

Source: GLOBE NEWSWIRE

Photo: An artistic vision of a large 20' structure covered with soil from Israel to serve as a base for a giant menorah in Times Square