The Chabad Jewish Center of Monroeville will host its fourth-annual menorah-lighting event in a covid-friendly fashion on Dec. 13.
Typically, the synagogue’s “Light Up the Night” event draws several dozen people to the Miracle Mile Shopping Center along Route 22 for singing, dancing and hot latke eating.
This year, the event will be held at Monroeville Community Park West – where participants will remain in their vehicles.
The park will open at 4:30 p.m., and volunteers will guide people through a drive-thru story time. Stops along the route will include pre-packed bags with treats, Hanukkah chocolate gelt, arts and crafts, donuts and other surprises.
The Chabad Jewish Center also will distribute menorahs, candles and Hanukkah-at-home kits to those celebrating at home.
The route leads participants to a parking lot where a program to light the menorah begins at 5 p.m.
Participants are asked to remain in their vehicles in order to prevent the spread of covid-19.
“The menorah serves as a symbol of light and hope for us today amidst the darkness of the pandemic, as it did for generations before us,” said Mendy Schapiro, rabbi of the Chabad Jewish Center of Monroeville. “The flames of the menorah shine out into the night, reminding us that even when confronted with much darkness, a tiny light can dispel it all. Another act of goodness and kindness, another act of light, can make all the difference.
The event is free and open to the public. Registration is not required but to RSVP, visit jewishmonroeville.com/light.
