The city's largest menorah was lit in Manhattan's Grand Army Plaza on Thursday to mark the first night of Hanukkah, with onlookers wearing masks and observing social distancing practices amid the pandemic.

LED lights covering the menorah pay tribute to the 30,000 New Yorkers lost during the coronavirus pandemic.

The lights are also meant to represent a beacon of hope, and that things will hopefully get better. Organizers say that is something that is especially needed now, as the city is again seeing an uptick in coronavirus cases and possible lockdowns loom

The event is organized every year by the Lubavitch Youth Organization.

Organizers say while this year's ceremony is different because of the pandemic, the message remains powerful.

"It's not only even, it's because of the pandemic," said Rabbi Shumel Butman, director of the Lubavitch Youth Organization. "Because of that, it's more important to bring life, and to bring light, and to bring hope to everyone."

The menorah is 36 feet tall. It is certified by Guinness World Records as the largest menorah anywhere.

It will be lit on each of the eight days of the Hanukkah holiday.