Bloomberg Lighting World's Largest Menorah Tonight

Mayor Bloomberg will observe Hanukkah today by lighting the world's largest menorah. Located in Manhattan, the 32-foot high, gold colored, 4,000 pound steel structure was lit last night by Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver. Rabbi Shmuel Butman, director of the Lubavitch Youth Organization, which sponsors the menorah, tells NBC that the each night's lighting ceremony "takes on a special meaning this year, as the Menorah joins the 'unite to light' campaign in memory of the terror victims in Mumbai. The message of the Menorah is, 'We are continuing in ever greater strength.'" (Brooklyn Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg and his wife Rivka were killed in last month's attacks.) Next Sunday there will be a celebration at the mother of all menorahs, featuring live music, singing, dancing, Hanukkah Gelt for the children and free hot latkes. Tonight's lighting will occur at 4:45 p.m. on 5th Avenue and 59th Street, by Central Park, between the Plaza and the Pierre Hotels.