10th annual Light Up the Night in Monroeville a success despite cold, tragedy in Australia

Even with frigid temperatures, the Chabad Jewish Center of Monroeville celebrated its 10th annual Light Up the Night on Dec. 15 in Community Park West.

The evening marked the second night of Hanukkah, which starts on the 25th day of Kislev, the ninth month of the Jewish calendar.

Because of the extreme weather, the low was around 16 degrees, canceling the festivities would have been justifiable. But given the recent tragedy in Sydney, Australia — where two men opened fire on those gathered to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah at Bondi Beach — it seemed crucial for the community to gather in solidarity.

“We are so happy that Jewish and non-Jewish people are gathered here together,” volunteer Gerri Moldovan said.

Volunteer Devi Willaman agreed. “Being here is so much more important in light of the recent tragedy.”

Chabad member Debbie Iszauk described the story of Hanukkah and why Jewish people light eight candles.

“Syrians ransack the place where the Maccabees went to pray,” Iszauk said. “Afterward, there was one small container of oil left untouched.”

The Maccabees knew that somehow the oil would last — and it did for eight days. The eight candles on the menorah represent those eight days. In every synagogue, there is an “entire light,” whether it be physically or metaphorically, that represents the presence of God.

“Light overcomes darkness,” Iszauk said. “We get stronger, not weaker, by building on that light. And to share that light with others is a little inspirational.”

Although Light Up the Night did not have its usual 700 or so patrons, a good-sized crowd that gathered for the all-ages event.

This year’s theme, Ice on Fire, seemed fitting with a live ice carving demonstration by master ice sculptor Richard Bubin, who created a menorah out of a large block of ice.

Other activities included arts and crafts, a demonstration by Gateway’s robotics club, light-up gifts, guess the dreidel count and refreshments such as coffee, doughnuts and latkes.

Back by popular demand, there was a gelt drop from the ladder of a fire truck.

The Yiddish word “gelt” refers to both chocolate and actual coins, which are customarily given to children during Hanukkah. The tradition of giving gelt — or “money” — is to teach kids the importance of charity and giving.

Once the sculpture was finished, Rabbi Mendy Schapiro addressed the crowd, asking rhetorically, “What’s my place in the dark times?”

“You have an opportunity to share light with the person next to you. That’s the way you shine your light, your candle,” Schapiro said.

“When every person does this, we illuminate the whole world.”

Schapiro welcomed outgoing Monroeville Mayor Nick Gresock to help him light the middle candle, the shamash, on the ice-carved menorah.

Gresock stressed the importance of the community continually coming together. “That’s why Monroeville is such a great place,” he said.

Light Up the Night has vastly grown since it began a decade ago. The first four years, it was held at the Miracle Mile shopping plaza.

“It just started out kind of small. A small group of us got together,” Iszauk said. “But we just outgrew it. There’s just so many people.”

Schapiro reached out to the municipality and got permission to use the park. The festivities initially were held at the amphitheater until Monroeville Recreation Parks suggested moving to the baseball field, which is covered and has artificial turf.

Even the pandemic didn’t stop the celebration.

Schapiro had a drive-thru with stops along the way. Monroeville Public Library handed out “take-and-make” crafts and bagged treats were safely distributed. A drive-thru book walk also was incorporated.

“You get inventive when you got something going,” Iszauk said. “So, yes, we found ways.”

One year, there was a DJ; people stayed in their cars and listened to music. There was even a stilt walker and a juggler.

“We really just want to show this and build this. Monroeville is so diverse,” Iszauk said. “If we just take the time to learn about each other, we’re better.”

The Chabad Jewish Center of Monroeville expressed appreciation for its sponsors and partners: Spitzer Toyota Monroeville, UPMC East Hospital, Clearview Federal Credit Union, Allegheny Health Network Forbes Hospital, Monroeville Foundation, Monroeville Public Library, Monroeville Cleaners, Monroeville Area Chamber of Commerce and Visit Monroeville.