Chabad erects 15,000 public menorahs for Hanukkah

Chabad-Lubavitch said it has erected more than 15,000 large public menorahs in cities throughout the world for the festival of Hanukkah, which began Wednesday evening.

The organization also said it would distribute more than 700,000 personal menorahs, 30.800 million candles and 2.5 million holiday guides in 13 languages around the world for Hanukkah 2013.

In addition, 5,000 menorahs will appear on top of cars in cities throughout the world, according to the organization.

The Chabad Hanukkah programs in 81 countries are expected to reach 8 million Jews, the organization said.

The Chabad-Lubavitch Aleph Institute also will provide Hanukkah supplies to Jewish U.S. military and State Department personnel and prison inmates. Jewish inmates in 108 prisons will receive Hanukkah visits.

Large public menorah lightings will take place in front of the White House, at the Kremlin, the Brandenburg Gate and at the foot of the Eiffel Tower.