State College, Penn State Celebrate Hanukkah with Menorah Lighting

Chabad of Penn State welcomed university and State College community members for a celebration of Hanukkah with its annual menorah lighting Sunday night at Old Main following a parade through downtown. The public event, held on the fourth night of the Festival of Lights and led by Rabbi Nosson Meretsky, included music, refreshments and miniature menorah and candles to take home.

State College Mayor Ezra Nanes and state Rep. Paul Takac, D-College Township, were in attendance and each shared words with the audience.

The ceremony kicked off with a brief speech from Nanes, who addressed his role as the borough’s first Jewish mayor, the rise of antisemitism and wished everyone a peaceful holiday season.

Takac followed by discussing the effect “The Festival of Lights” has had on him despite not practicing Judaism and the benefit of a strong sense of community.

Meretsky closed the slate of speakers to discuss the conflict between Israel and Palestine and the importance of looking to the menorah as the light needed to guide Jewish believers through dark times.

After closing words from Meretsky, the crowd relocated to the front steps of Old Main, where Nanes and others assisted in lighting the menorah.

To cap off the night, guests were invited back inside to enjoy latkes, donuts, hot chocolate and music.