Last year, St. Louis unveiled a spectacular new addition to its holiday celebrations: the Staenberg Menorah, a towering 29-foot-tall marvel located at Kiener Plaza with the Gateway Arch towering behind it. Constructed with 250 feet of truss and lit with 32 radiant lights, the menorah is a remarkable feat of engineering and a powerful symbol of the Jewish spirit. Brought to life by Chabad of Greater St. Louis and built by Klance Unlimited, the menorah returns this year as a centerpiece of St. Louis’ growing Hanukkah tradition.

| RELATED: Lighting of 29’ Staenberg Menorah to take Place Every Night of Hanukkah

With its impressive stature, the Staenberg Menorah has officially earned its place as one of the largest menorahs in the world, standing tall alongside global icons in New York, Washington, D.C., Paris and more.

Here’s a look at the “Top 10 Largest Menorahs” around the world, each a testament to resilience, celebration and community spirit:

1. Kyiv Menorah, Ukraine
   • Height: 39 feet
   • Age: Erected annually in recent years
   • Location: Independence Square (Maidan), Kyiv
   • Interesting Fact: Recognized as Europe’s largest menorah, symbolizing resilience during the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
2. Manhattan Menorah, New York City, USA
   • Height: 36 feet (including the extended shamash candle)
   • Age: First erected in 1977
   • Location: Grand Army Plaza, near Central Park
   • Interesting Fact: Designed by Yaacov Agam, it adheres to the maximum height permitted by Halacha (Jewish law) and requires a cherry picker for lighting.
3. Berlin Menorah, Germany
   • Height: 33 feet (10 meters)
   • Age: Installed annually since the 1990s
   • Location: Brandenburg Gate, Berlin
   • Interesting Fact: Europe’s tallest menorah serves as a powerful symbol of Jewish cultural revival in Germany.
4. Brooklyn Menorah, New York City, USA
   • Height: 32 feet
   • Age: First lit in the 1980s
   • Location: Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn
   • Interesting Fact: Known for its community festivities, it holds a friendly rivalry with Manhattan’s menorah.
5. Tel Aviv Menorah, Israel
   • Height: 31 feet (9.5 meters)
   • Age: Celebrated annually since the 1990s
   • Location: Rabin Square, Tel Aviv
   • Interesting Fact: One of the largest menorahs in Israel, it features live music, dancing, and vibrant Hanukkah celebrations.
6. Chicago Menorah, Illinois, USA
   • Height: 31 feet
   • Age: Erected annually since 1987
   • Location: Daley Plaza, Chicago
   • Interesting Fact: Known as the “City’s Menorah,” it stands 31 feet high, 18 feet wide, and weighs 5 tons.
7. National Menorah, Washington, D.C., USA
   • Height: 30 feet
   • Age: First lit in 1979
   • Location: The White House Ellipse
   • Interesting Fact: First lit by President Jimmy Carter, it remains a key centerpiece of Hanukkah celebrations in the U.S. capital.
8. Paris Menorah, France
   • Height: 30 feet
   • Age: Introduced in the 2000s
   • Location: Eiffel Tower area, Paris
   • Interesting Fact: Its placement near the Eiffel Tower blends Jewish tradition with one of the world’s most iconic landmarks.
9. Buenos Aires Menorah, Argentina
   • Height: 30 feet
   • Age: Erected in the 2000s after the fall of the military junta
   • Location: Plaza de la Republica, Buenos Aires
   • Interesting Fact: Symbolizes the revival and resilience of Latin America’s largest Jewish community.
10. Staenberg Menorah, St. Louis, USA
    • • Height: 29 feet
      • Age: Installed in 2023
      • Location: Kiener Plaza Park, near the Gateway Arch
      • Interesting Fact: Built with 250 feet of truss, it has quickly become a focal point of Hanukkah celebrations in St. Louis.

    All photos by Bill Motchan.

    

    Gallery • 18 Photos