Pittsburgh Menorah parade highlights Hanukkah Festival

“Sit by the candles and listen to the story that they tell.”

This old Hanukkah saying best describes the message of the menorah, said Rabbi Elchonon Friedman of Bnai Emunoh Chabad in Greenfield.

Those lights will illuminate the streets for the Jewish community in Pittsburgh as it celebrates the Festival of Hanukkah, which begins Sunday.

On Monday, the community will stage its annual menorah parade and other activities and events from live music to ethnic foods, and children’s activities, and of course, a grand menorah lighting.

“The candles tell the story of perseverance, and they have a way of speaking to us,” said Friedman, event organizer.

“There is a message. This event is a time of happiness and joy, and it celebrates religious freedom. We go out onto the street to celebrate in public. The menorah brings light and warmth from inside the home out into a cold, dark night.”

This will be the fourth year for this festival at the Waterfront in Homestead. Last year, the event included remembering the 11 people who died in the Tree of Life synagogue attack on Oct. 27., 2018, in Squirrel Hill.

Each was honored with a candle.

“We remember those individuals with candles burning because lights at this time of year are very important because of the early evening darkness of winter, which begins Saturday,” Friedman said. “A menorah being taken outside represents freedom of America to bring the light out to the streets and in public spaces.”

Sponsored by Chabad of Pittsburgh and Yeshiva Schools, the parade will include more than 125 vehicles adorned with menorahs — a sacred candelabrum with seven or nine lights used in Jewish worship – some homemade and others that have been purchased . They will leave Rodef Shalom in Shadyside at 4:45 p.m. and proceed through Squirrel Hill, eventually arriving at The Waterfront in Homestead for the grand menorah lighting.

The lighting of the 12-foot grand menorah will take place at 5:45 p.m. During the lighting, Pittsburgh City Councilman Corey O’Connor will address the crowd along with Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald.

“The Hanukkah Festival has quickly become one of our most well-attended and most celebrated annual events,” said Emily Wittmer, marketing director at The Waterfront, in a statement. “This is the fourth year we’ve worked with our neighboring Jewish communities on this event and we’re so grateful to be part of it.”

Chabad of Western PA and Bnai Emunoh Chabad have partnered with The Waterfront shopping center and the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh for this festival. In addition to the parade and grand menorah lighting, there will be food vendors, games, activities for the kids and live music.

The entertainment will include a performance by Hasidic contemporary music artist Avraham Fried. A fan favorite in the Orthodox Jewish tradition, Fried has released more than 25 CDs and performed for sold-out shows at New York City’s Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, London’s Wembley Hall and Tel Aviv’s Heichal Hatarbut.

“Hanukkah is a beloved tradition and the families in our congregation look forward to celebrating with loved ones every year,” said Friedman. “This year, we’re expecting an even larger crowd than ever before – be sure to come down and join the fun.”

The event will take place under the bridge between Barnes & Noble and Primanti Bros.

Entry to the event is free.