The lighting festivities took place on the first night of Hanukkah, nearly two weeks after residents and visitors from across the country gathered in the nation’s capital for the National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony. Positioned just a few feet away from the festive tree, a 30-foot menorah stood as a symbol of the season’s celebration.
Rabbi Levi Shemtov, the executive vice president of American Friends of Lubavitch, addressed the crowd, emphasizing the need to stand against antisemitism.
“When we become stronger in who we are, we are better assured of our continued survival,” he remarked.
This year’s menorah was crafted by the Kilsheimers, a Maryland family operating out of a spacious warehouse in Capitol Heights. Constructed from recycled aluminum and fitted with low-voltage LED lights, the menorah reflects their commitment to both tradition and innovation.
“Until the day my grandfather passed away, he was deeply involved. He was passionate about this work,” Casey Kilsheimer told WTOP, referring to her grandfather, who founded the family’s specialty business in 1947. “My dad is passionate about it, too. We’re here, and all these people here are passionate about it. It’s meaningful to us.”
Gunther Kilsheimer began building menorahs at the request of a rabbi, with the ambitious goal of creating the largest menorah in the United States.