Penn State’s Zeta Beta Tau Celebrates First Night of Hanukkah
State College— As Hanukkah begins, State College is celebrating with the community.
Sunday night, brothers from the Zeta Beta Tau fraternity invited the community to gather outside of their house to light the first candle on their menorah, which is proudly displayed in their front yard.
Despite the chilly weather and the mud, students and older community members gathered closely to light the candle, sing blessings, and join together for food inside.
Attendees were also given the option to take home their own menorah, where they could light the candles on their own each night.
Freshman Sarah Sher said that Hanukkah always means spending time with her family and celebrating the Jewish tradition. Because she couldn’t be with her family this year, Sher was thankful to attend an event in State College.
“I love when the Jewish community comes together, especially at Penn State, and can celebrate Hanukkah here and all Jewish holidays,” Sher said.
Sher also said that she was surprised by the recent “hate crimes,” and how that doesn’t happen where she’s from.
The event had been planned weeks in advance, and Rabbi Hershy was one of the people involved.
He explained that Hanukkah is a time of positivity and community, especially in light of recent attacks against the Jewish community.
“It’s a message of hope and a message that light will always overcome darkness,” he said. “All you need is a little bit of light to expel much darkness.”
ZBT will continue to light the rest of the candles outside over the next seven days.
Grace Miller is a freshman majoring in journalism. To contact her, email her at lgm5130@psu.edu.
