Why are large public menorahs associated with the Chabad movement?

The Chabad movement is widely recognized for its extensive outreach efforts, which include the prominent display of large public Hanukkah menorahs.1

These public displays are rooted in the traditional purpose of the Hanukkah ritual, which is to "publicize the miracle" of the oil that lasted eight days. While the menorah was historically kindled outside the home to achieve this, it was moved indoors in ancient times for safety. By erecting large menorahs in public spaces, Chabad seeks to restore this original intent of sharing the miracle with the broader community.231

The visibility of these displays has occasionally led to legal challenges regarding the separation of church and state. Notably, in the 1989 case Allegheny County v. Greater Pittsburgh ACLU, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a Chabad-erected menorah in a public setting was constitutionally legitimate, distinguishing it from other religious displays based on its specific physical context.45