Chanukah lights shine bright in Greenfield on fifth night of holiday
"The message of sharing light throughout our community and beyond, that’s something that can bring us all together.”
The lights of Chanukah shone bright in Greenfield during the holiday’s fifth night.
Hundreds — including politicians, rabbis and members of the Pittsburgh Jewish community —danced, sang, ate and celebrated on Murray Avenue in front of B’nai Emunah Chabad on Dec. 29.
Organized by Chabad of Greenfield, the night’s festivities began with a menorah parade that included a procession of cars and students from the Yeshiva Schools of Pittsburgh and a Tesla Cybertruck topped with a menorah.
This was the first year Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey participated in the annual event. He was invited by Chabad of Greenfield Rabbi Yitzi Goldwasser.
“I believe we should celebrate culture,” Gainey told the Chronicle. “It’s culture that makes the city go around, and the truth is the more we understand one another’s culture, the more understanding we have for one another.”
Gainey said he tries to not take anyone’s culture for granted and that he felt “blessed” to participate in different Chanukah celebrations throughout the city, as well as local Christmas and Kwanza events.
The mayor noted that the power of tradition holds special significance in the city and isn’t lost on the city’s youth.
“Look at the young people here,” he said. “The young people dictate where the tradition goes, and the young people are present today.”
Gainey’s political rival in the city’s mayoral race, County Controller Corey O’Connor, also joined the event.
O’Connor said events like Greenfield’s Chanukah celebration are great ways to bring together the community.
The celebration, he said, provided an opportunity for the Jewish community to gather with its neighbors in a safe environment, something that’s needed in the world today.
“When you see so much antisemitism in the world, it’s great to be around people that show community,” he said. “It shows what you can accomplish when you build safe places for community today.”
City Council Member Barb Warwick addressed the work of Chabad of Greenfield and presented a proclamation declaring Dec. 29, 2024, “Chabad of Greenfield Day” in Pittsburgh.
The Chabad center, the proclamation states, works to realize the teachings and vision of the Lubavitch Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson, connecting Jews of all background so they can connect to their faith, heritage and community.
“The dedication of the Chabad house and its leadership has fostered a great sense of unity, pride and spiritual connection among the Jewish residents of Greenfield, while also reaching out to the broader community with acts of kindness and compassion,” Warwick read from the proclamation.
Perhaps the loudest ovations of the night were saved for Sen. John Fetterman who addressed the crowd and lit the menorah — without a ladder.
The senator said that he was happy to be at the celebration for a second year and that his support for the Jewish community, both locally and in Israel, would not falter.
“I’m not going anywhere,” he said.
Fetterman told the Chronicle that he was disappointed by some of his Democratic colleagues who haven’t stood with the Jewish community or Israel, but that he would always show his support.
“If somebody invites me to be a part of a special event like this, 100% I’m going to be there,” he said. “I lean on every opportunity to stand with the Jewish community.”
Fetterman said it’s easy to lend his voice and presence to the community because, “it’s about what is right.”
The senator expressed concern, both on stage and speaking with the Chronicle, for the hostages still held in Gaza. He said he will continue to talk about them and push for their return until “everyone’s brought home.”
He’s optimistic, he said, that Israel will be able to destroy Iran’s terrorist proxies.
“Everyone deserves peace and to have this finally resolved,” he said. “I’m committed to stand with Israel and that’s not going to change.”
Rabbi Yisroel Rosenfeld, executive director of Chabad of Western Pennsylvania, said Chanukah represents pride in Jewish identity.
“In today’s age, with all the challenges and difficulties, whenever it’s possible to make Jews proud, we have to do that,” he said. “This is beautiful to see.”
As to those who might be hesitant to attend Chanukah celebrations given the rise in antisemitism since Oct. 7, 2023, both in Pittsburgh and around the world, Rosenfeld said the light of the holiday provides an important function.
“I heard today from somebody who told me that he was brought back to Judaism almost 20 years ago when he saw a menorah,” he said.
Goldwasser praised the crowd size as well as those who attended the event.
“It’s a sign of support for the Jewish community,” he said. “We all have our differences, opinions and political views but the message of sharing light throughout our community and beyond, that’s something that can bring us all together.” PJC
David Rullo can be reached at drullo@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.
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