Penn State students and community members alike will gather on Monday at 5 p.m. to celebrate the sixth night of Chanukah by lighting the State College grand menorah. It’s the thirteenth annual public menorah lighting ceremony, but the first to be held in front of Old Main.

The nine-foot menorah will be lit by by the president of Beta Sigma Beta and other representatives of student groups that support Jewish Life on campus.

“Having the presidents of Jewish Fraternities come together to light the menorah signifies that our response to darkness is to add light,” said Rabbi Nosson Meretsky, Chabad of Penn State co-director, referring to recent vandalism at Beta Sigma Beta. “Our response to hatred is to come together as a community and to become even stronger. This year we have moved the lighting to Old Main to have the lighting be even more visible and out in the open especially for the students.”

Mayor Elizabeth Goreham will be on hand to give the opening remarks, and participants can enjoy live music by the Pittsburgh Simcha Orchestra, food, free menorah kits, and a raffle for a trip to Israel and $1,000.

“Chanukah teaches us that every one of us can dispel the darkness with acts of goodness & kindness,” Rabbi Meretsky said. “This touching and beautiful ceremony is open to the public, and everyone is encouraged to attend.

Not to be outdone this Hanukkah, Penn State Hillel will attempt the world record for dreideling later that night at 8 p.m. in the HUB. The event, called “Spin it to Win It,” hopes to shatter the record for the most dreidels spinning at the same time. Anyone who wants to be a part of history can attend, regardless of religious affiliation.

Happy Hanukkah everyone!

Editor’s Note: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated the event would take place on Sunday. There was a mistake in the press release we received. We apologize for the error.