ST. LOUIS – A towering symbol of light and resilience took center stage in downtown St. Louis as members and friends of the Jewish faith gathered to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah beneath the glow of a 29-foot menorah.
The lighting of the Staenberg Menorah, the tallest menorah west of the Mississippi River, kicks off eight nights of tradition and community. Each evening, a new candle will be lit. Rabbi Chaim Landa, who leads this cherished event, explained this tradition is important for the Jewish community and the city.
“A menorah like this sends a powerful message, both to the Jewish community and beyond, that we stand tall,” he said. “We stand proud and, particularly through the eyes of children, during this time of year, for children to come out and see the arch in the background and be proudly Jewish and embrace all the celebrations. It’s a very powerful thing.”