𝗙𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗔𝗟 𝗢𝗙 𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦: Rabbi Lights Giant Menorah on Hanukkah’s First Night in Santa Monica

Rabbi Isaac Levitansky of Chabad of Santa Monica lit the giant menorah at the Third Street Promenade on Sunday night, December 14, 2025, marking the first night of Hanukkah. The public ceremony brought community members together in downtown Santa Monica as the first candle of the eight-day Festival of Lights was illuminated.

Before the lighting, Rabbi Eli Levitansky addressed recent international events impacting the Jewish community. He referenced a reported attack on members of the Jewish community in Australia that occurred during an early Hanukkah celebration due to time zone differences, emphasizing resilience in the face of antisemitism.

“When these tragedies occur, they are done to create fear,” Rabbi Eli Levitansky said. “Our response needs to be the opposite. We need to come out even stronger, even prouder, to show our Jewish pride.” The gathering paused to light 16 memorial candles in honor of those who lost their lives in the reported attack. Attendees were invited to join in singing Ani Ma’amin, a song rooted in Jewish faith and perseverance. “It is not a song of despair, but rather a song of hope,” Rabbi Eli Levitansky told the crowd. “Even in the darkest moments, the Jewish people believed their future still lay ahead—and that we are here to stay.” Gratitude was also extended to local law enforcement, with organizers thanking the Santa Monica Police Department for providing security during the event and offering a blessing for their safety. Prior to the menorah lighting, a letter written in 1980 by the Lubavitcher Rebbe was read aloud. The message described Hanukkah as a reminder of the victory of spiritual strength over oppression and emphasized the symbolic power of light in confronting darkness. “Our sages said, ‘A little light expels a lot of darkness,’” the letter read. “Illumination begins at home, but it does not stop there.” Following the remarks, Rabbi Isaac Levitansky led the menorah lighting as prayers were recited and songs were sung. The evening concluded with community activities, including hot chocolate, latkes, children’s arts and crafts, and a photo area near the large dreidel display. Additional nightly menorah lightings and Hanukkah festivities are scheduled to continue throughout the week at the Third Street Promenade, hosted by Chabad of Santa Monica.