STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Chabad of Penn State and the Chabad Student Group will bring Hanukkah’s message of light and hope to State College and the University Park campus’ Jewish community during the ongoing pandemic, with a safely conducted Car Menorah Parade, to be held from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 10.
The parade will depart at 4:30 p.m. from 443 E. Waring Avenue and travel through the main streets of downtown State College, eventually ending at the Allen Street Lot across from the Municipal Building. The evening will culminate in a unique, drive-in menorah-lighting celebration for families, including fire-juggling, music, pre-wrapped Chanukah treats and prizes for children.
All participants are required to be distanced and wearing masks, and those who want to view the lighting will be able to watch from the safety of their own vehicles. The event also will be broadcast live so State College families can share in the celebration from the safety of their homes.
“While typically, we’re able to invite State College’s community to join our Hanukkah menorah-lighting ceremony at the Municipal Building, this year we are inviting them to participate in safely bringing Hanukkah to the homes of those unable to attend due to coronavirus,” said Rabbi Nosson Meretsky, director of Chabad of Penn State. “The Car Menorah Parade is a perfect way for State College’s Jewish community to show our Jewish pride and celebrate Hanukkah during the pandemic.”
Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, begins this year on the evening of Thursday, Dec. 10 and concludes the evening of Friday, Dec. 18. Throughout Pennsylvania, Chabad will be organizing dozens of giant menorah displays and public menorah lightings, parades and more.
Rabbi Hershey Gourarie, of Chabad of the Undergrads, said “We hope the light and celebration brings joy and happiness and warmth to the greater State College and Penn State Community.”
Chabad offers Jewish education, outreach and social service programming for families and individuals of all ages, backgrounds and affiliations. For more information, contact Rabbi Nosson Meretsky, at 814-863-4929 or rabbi@psu.edu, or visit www.chabadstatecollege.com.