PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The fourth night of Hanukkah was a cold and wet Saturday night, but nothing could stop Philadelphia’s Jewish community from marking some major history by lighting a massive public menorah for the 50th year.
The rain was constant, but the car parade down JFK Boulevard, around City Hall, and out Market Street to the lawn of Independence Mall went off without a hitch—about 50 cars, from minivans to pickups—and even one Cybertruck.
Lois Yampolsky has never been in the city’s annual Hanukkah Parade, but has attended it since she first started working for the Philadelphia Lubavitcher Center in Northeast Philly back in the ’80s.
“I get goosebumps, I’m telling ya, as soon as I hear that they turned around City Hall, I’m like a kid, I’m jumping up and down, I can’t wait until that stream of cars comes down,” said
“It didn’t matter it was raining. I’ve done this in snow and ice. It’s just a symbol of freedom—and where better to start this back in 1974 in front of the Liberty Bell?”
That’s when five rabbis, led by Rabbi Abraham Shemtov, lit a smaller menorah in front of Independence Hall, marking the first public menorah lighting in the world.
Fifty years later, there were hundreds gathered on the lawn outside Independence Hall to watch a towering menorah be lit for all to see.
“It’s such a beautiful moment of unity. Like, anyone’s welcome, just join us and share in the light,” said Rachel Pogolowitz, who has been coming to the Philadelphia Hanukkah Parade and Festival for the last 15 years.
“It’s really a testament to Chabad and the Lubavitcher Rebbe. Without him and without Chabad going out into the world and being brave — this is amazing,” she said.
Abrielle Fuerst said this was her sixth parade.
“I love how many people come together, to be part of the celebration together, and show the world this is who we are, and it doesn’t matter if it’s raining or whatever, we’re here and we’re dancing together, and that’s my favorite thing of all of this,” Fuerst said.
Becca Weber said the setting was also key to the celebration.
“It’s so incredible that we get to come together, especially in this space, right by the Liberty Bell, right where Democracy was created in this country to just show that freedom lives.”