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First Night of Hanukkah Celebrated with Lighting of World's Largest Menorah

By Sonja Sharp | December 20, 2011 12:17pm

MIDTOWN — For those in the holiday spirit on Fifth Avenue Tuesday, which marks the first night of Hanukkah, it can only mean one thing — the lighting of the world's largest menorah.

At 32 feet tall, the 4,000 pound behemoth, designed by artist Yaacov Agam and operated by the Lubavitch Youth Organization, will be lit at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the corner of 59th Street to celebrate the first night of the Jewish Festival of Lights.

"I've been a number of times. I saw Mayor Bloomberg light it," said local resident Rona Rones, who stopped by the menorah Tuesday morning to see what time it would be lit.

"Afterward, they give you latkes." 

Those hoping to catch the lighting throughout the eight-day holiday should note that the menorah  will be lit at 3:30 p.m. on Friday and 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, in accordance with the Sabbath. It will be lit at 5:30 p.m. all other nights.