Islington Menorah Lighting: 8th annual event to take place this weekend

Last year's event drew a crowd of 1,000 despite poor weather. Picture: Jeremy Freedman. (Image: Archant)

The free annual event – which is now in to its eighth year – will take place on Islington Green between 5 and 7pm. Although this is a celebration of the Jewish festival of light, Sunday’s gathering is open to the whole community and will feature a range of entertainment, savoury bites and hot drinks to guard against the winter chill, not to mention the hundreds of free doughnuts, latkes and Chanukah gelt to get stuck in to.

Hosted by Chabad Islington and supported by a grant from Islington Council, last year’s event attracted up to 1,000 visitors – including a number of dignitaries and polticians – who came out in force despite gloomy weather conditions.

This year, the Menorah has been specially created by the Jewish community at a workshop that was held on November 25. The Menorah will be unveiled and lit as a centrepiece of Sunday’s celebrations, with live Klezmer music, art and craft sessions and cheery sing-a-longs to traditional music also featuring in a vibrant celebration for both young and old.

Richard Watts, Leader of Islington Council, said: “Chabad Islington plays an important role in bringing together our community, educating people about Judaism and leading Islington’s thriving Jewish community fortifying our reputation of being a welcoming and inclusive borough.”

The event takes place on Islington Green to mark the first night of Chanukah. Picture: Jeremy Freedman (Image: Archant)

Chabad Islington was established in August 2011 by Rabbi Mendy and Hadasa Korer, who set out to breathe life into one of London’s oldest communities.

Since then their project has become a pillar of the community, and it’s instrumental in organising events, Shabbat dinners, walking tours and classes.

The Islington Menorah Lighting is on Sunday December 2, 5pm-7pm, at Islington Green on Upper Street. For more information click here.