Iceland Lights First Public Menorah

Photos: Gabriel Rutenberg

For the very first time, a public Chanukah menorah stood in Reykjavik city center, during the Chanukah holiday.

The local community gathered on Laugavegur – the main street of Reykjavik, for a historic menorah lighting ceremony.

The Jewish community was joined by former President Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson and First Lady Dorrit Moussaieff, acting US ambassador Jill Espisito, German Ambassador Herbert Beck and Honorary consul of Israel Páll Arnór Pálsson.

The made-in-Iceland Menorah was built by Chabad’s dear friends Michael Levin and Alexander Steinarsson.

Following the outdoor ceremony the community enjoyed an indoor Chanukah celebration at a nearby ballroom with a great crowd, delicious Chanukah spread and a musical presentation by the Jewish kids club of Reykjavik.

The event was organized by new Shluchim to Iceland, Rabbi Avi and Mushky Feldman, who settled in Reykjavik 6 months ago to provide for the physical and spiritual needs of the local community and many visitors.

“What an incredible sight to see a beautiful menorah standing proudly in Reykjavik city center!” Rabbi Feldman said. “We are very grateful to Mayor Eggertsson and the city of Reykjavik for making this possible.”

“It was a very moving event for myself, my family and the entire Iceland Jewish community,” Mushky added.

Find out more about Chabad of Iceland at www.jewishiceland.com.