VIDEOS & PHOTOS: Chai Lifeline dedicates and installs 350-pound Menorah at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Last night, the second night of Chanukah, Chai Lifeline held a special menorah installation and dedication, followed by a candle lighting ceremony on the hospital premises for Chai Lifeline children and families.

Measuring in at Over 6 feet tall and weighing over 350 pounds the menorah was the brainchild of Martin Schapira, a local artist, and built by Gershon Sernowitz. Schapira said he set out to work immediately when he was informed of the need for hospitalized children and their families to be part of a real menorah lighting during Chanukah.

“Chai Lifeline is one of the most important cancer organizations in the world,” Schapira said in explaining why he chose to undertake this endeavor. “CHOP is definitely one of the top children’s hospitals in The world. I can’t think of a better use of my extra time and resources and was very happy to have the privilege of designing this menorah for such an amazing cause.”

The aluminum menorah is on loan to CHOP through the end of Chanukah and will be installed at the hospital again next year.

“Many of us take for granted that we are able to kindle the menorah in our own homes during Chanukah,” said Chai Lifeline Regional Director for New Jersey and Pennsylvania Rabbi Sruli Fried. “Such is not the case for families with a hospitalized child. We wanted to restore the sense of normalcy that so often eludes these families by installing this enormous menorah, while also bringing them joy throughout the Chanukah season.”

(See videos below of the Menorah being constructed, as well as a beautiful rendition of ‘Chasof’ by violinist Pesach Nestlebaum.)

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3 COMMENTS

  1. To all the volunteers at Chai Lifeline nobody should ever need your help but when you are needed you are always there, And special thanks to Rabbi Fried for all he does for Chai Lifeline . I did some volunteer work last summer in the Lakewood office and personally witnessed Rabbi Fried’s devotion. He is available 7 {yes 7] days and nights, Zeit alle gebentscht un shtark. . BEI EZRATH HASHEM there should come a time when you want be needed at Chai Lifeline anymore . Amein. Have a Freilachn Chanukah everybody. Just dont overdo on the donuts and latkeis.

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