Chabad at Penn State hosts weekly dinners and events all year long for Jewish students. rabbi Hershy Guorarie says they that started doing the menorah parade back in 2020.
He tells me that they have given out hundreds of menorahs this year to students so that they can light the candles as if they were at home.
“There’s something powerful about light, it brings back memories of home and it brings hope, it brings a lot of hope where Jews are going through a tough time now, and the message of Hanukkah is the best way to fight darkness is by adding light,” said Rabbi Hershy.
They give out light-up menorahs for the parade that go on top of the cars. after driving through downtown state college, they are hosting a menorah lighting and Hanukkah celebration at the old main building on Penn State’s campus.
Rabbi Hershy talked to me about the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas and how it is the perfect time for all Jews to band together.
“I just came back from Israel actually on a solidarity trip and yea it’s very tough but that message of Hanukkah, that message of a small band of Maccabees, you know sometimes the majority are against you but all you need is a small band of people. Truth doesn’t become false because most people disagree with you.” said Rabbi Hershy.
Rabbi Hershy also talked to me about the resignation of UPenn president Liz Magill who faced backlash for her comments on antisemitism. He tells me that he’s happy to be at Penn State.
“They wouldn’t tolerate that for any other group and Jews should be treated equally to everybody. Penn State’s amazing, it’s an amazing place for Jewish students to be. can they do better? i think they could, i think everyone could.”
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