For the first time since 1991, the public lighting of Hanukkiah has been canceled in Moscow

For the first time since 1991, the traditional public menorah lighting ceremony to mark the beginning of Hanukkah was not held in the center of Moscow. The event, which has been held annually since the early 1990s, was canceled by decision of the capital’s mayor’s office, which cited security concerns.

According to RIA Novosti, the public ceremony was not coordinated by the city authorities. Hanukkah is celebrated this year from December 14 to 22.

The press service of the Chief Rabbi of Russia confirmed the event’s cancellation, saying, “The ceremony of lighting Hanukkah by the Chief Rabbi of Russia on the square in the center of Moscow is not being held this year. The Moscow City Hall has not agreed to hold the ceremony. The decision was made for security reasons. Therefore, the traditional public event dedicated to the holiday has been canceled”.

Recall, earlier we reported that the daughter of Chief Rabbi of Russia Berl Lazar, Rivky married the son of the Chief Rabbi of Odessa and the South of Ukraine, Avraham Wolf, Sholem. The family’s wedding was held on Wednesday, February 12, in Israel.