The Chabad Jewish Centre of Milton Keynes is to host a public menorah lighting and Chanukah party at Bletchley Park this Sunday (Dec 14).
Open to members of the public, the free event will feature a 9-foot menorah as well as an array of entertainment for all ages, including a magic show, hot drinks and a selection of traditional Chanukah foods.
“We are immensely honoured to announce the third public menorah lighting at Bletchley Park, a landmark that represents the victory of good over evil,” said Rabbi Yitzchak Lew, Director at the Chabad Jewish Centre in the new city, ”The Jewish community has always resolved to celebrate their identity with more confidence and resolve.
"This public Chanukah celebration is about sharing light and joy with Milton Keynes and the broader community.”
During World War Two, Bletchley Park employed dozens of Jewish service men and women. The Jewish personnel, many with personal connections to the horrors unfolding in Europe, contributed significantly to the code-breaking efforts that aided the allied war effort.
Pre-war, the Mansion at Bletchley Park was home to a prominent Jewish family from London, The Leons, and is an example of the phenomenon later described as ‘Jewish Country Houses’ that developed in the 19th century.
The Menorah will be on display alongside the Mansion with an information board explaining the historical links between Bletchley Park and Judaism.
This event is one of more than 150 menorah lightings organised by Chabad Lubavitch centres across the UK.
