Penn State Hillel and Chabad of Penn State will host several community events to celebrate Hanukkah this holiday season.

Penn State Hillel is offering candle-lighting events in different locations across campus for each night of Hanukkah, beginning on Sunday, November 28 at the Pasquerilla Spiritual Center. The candle lighting will begin at 5 p.m. each night, complete with complimentary gelt (chocolates) and sufganiyot (donuts).

The events will occur at the following locations:

• Monday, November 29 — Old Main lawn
• Tuesday November 30 — Room 107 in the HUB
• Wednesday, December 1 — front of Pattee Library
• Thursday, December 2 — Music Building courtyard
• Friday, December 3 — Pasquerilla Spiritual Center
• Saturday, December 4 — Hintz Alumni Center duckpond
• Sunday, December 5 — Beaver Stadium, Gate B

“The idea of bringing light into dark places is a poignant one, especially these days with the disconcerting rise in antisemitism nationally,” Aaron Kaufman, executive director of Penn State Hillel, said. “Penn State has one of the largest Jewish student communities in the country, and Hillel is here to help every Jewish student to find meaningful ways to connect to their Jewish identity.”

Additionally, Chabad of Penn State will host a Car Menorah Parade from 5 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, November 30.

The parade route will travel through the main roads of downtown State College to promote holiday awareness and to “bring a message of light and hope.” At the end of the parade, participants can join a menorah lighting on Old Main lawn. The event will feature music, pre-wrapped Hanukkah treats, and prizes for children.

Participants can register to have a menorah on their car and join the parade here.

“While typically, we’re able to invite State College’s community to an indoor Hanukah celebration, this year we still see the need to provide an event that will be safe for everyone to attend,” Rabbi Nosson Meretsky, director of Chabad of Penn State, said. “The Car Menorah Parade is a perfect way for State College’s Jewish community to show our Jewish pride and celebrate Hanukkah during this unique time.”