Chanukah is ‘part of what our community is’
For those of the Jewish faith, it seems bad news could be around any corner at any time.
The October attack on Israel and the seemingly inevitable rise in antisemitism that followed ranks among the worst of such news in Jewish history.
But a report from Eagle staff writer Austin Uram on Friday makes clear that, as has been the case for more than 2,000 years, there is light shining at the end of the proverbial tunnel.
On Thursday evening, that light took the form of a menorah lighting, as the Chabad Jewish Center of Cranberry ushered in the first, warm light of Chanukah.
“We’re focused on the positive, and that’s what Chanukah is all about — spreading the light,” Rabbi Yossi Feller said. “That’s what we hope to get out of the lighting: this idea of fighting darkness with light.”
Feller was joined Thursday evening by Cranberry Township officials as he kindled the first flame on a 9-foot menorah outside the municipal center as part of the festival of lights.
While the township has been “very, very friendly and supportive,” according to Feller, holding the Chanukah celebration in a public place helped others take pride in their heritage.
“When it’s lit in a public space, it represents the principles of equality and religious freedom upon which our great country was founded,” he said. “And it’s a wonderful symbol of religious diversity that is the hallmark of the state of Pennsylvania.”
Even as a dark shadow blankets the Jewish world, Feller found it in his heart to make it about the whole community, about everyone who takes pride in their heritage, about the state of Pennsylvania being welcoming to diversity.
And the township officials in attendance weren’t shy about their support.
Board of supervisors chairman Mike Manipole called the diverse township a “family.”
Dave Hutner, program manager for parks and recreation, said “we just want people to know that we support everybody.”
Much like the recent Diwali celebration at the municipal center, Hutner said Chanukah was an essential part of the township’s culture.
“Whenever we get approached for something like that, instead of running from it, the township and the supervisors embrace it,” he said. “It’s part of what our community is.”
As the holiday season continues, so too does the war in Gaza. As the darkness there consumes those in the path of war, it is important to shine a light with hope in our hearts. We applaud Feller and his flock for focusing on the positive, and for reminding us of the welcoming nature of our neighbors.
— RJ
