Rabbi Yossi Feller lights the Hanukkah torches on the menorah during Cranberry Township's Hanukkah celebration in 2021. Butler Eagle File Photo

The celebration of Hanukkah has continued to expand in Cranberry Township over the last decade.

While the Jewish Festival of Lights has been recognized in the United States since the 1970s, local leaders of the Jewish community are set to light the menorah at the township’s municipal center for the 10th year on Dec. 30.

“It’s definitely very special that we’re able to bring the message and the joy of Hanukkah to the Cranberry community,” said Rabbi Yossi Feller of the Chabad Jewish Center of Cranberry. “A big crowd from throughout the community, Jews and non-Jews, come to participate in this menorah lighting. It’s really heartwarming to see everyone banding together in support of the Jewish community.”

Residents gather to light the menorah in recognition of Hanukkah at the Cranberry Township Municipal Center last year. Submitted Photo

Hanukkah commemorates the victory of light over darkness when Judah Maccabee and the Jewish people rededicated the Jerusalem Temple after securing victory over the Seleucids, who had occupied the region.

The Seleucids left only one vial of oil in the temple, which was just enough for the Jewish people to light the Temple’s candelabrum for one day. But, to their surprise, it burned for eight days, which was enough time for them to secure more oil.

The exact days in which Hanukkah is celebrated each year depends on the Jewish calendar; this year’s holiday will be from nightfall on Dec. 25 through Jan. 2.

After taking over in 2021 as co-directors, Yossi and his wife, Leah, are entering their fourth year of leading the event in Cranberry, which annually features a 9-foot menorah that will be lit up and visible from Rochester Road in front of the municipal center.

In addition to serving up potato pancakes also known as latke, doughnuts and hot drinks, the event will offer prizes, live music and dancing dreidel mascots.

But by far the most popular attraction that the Yossi’s have established is the Grand Gelt Drop, which sees members of the Cranberry Township Volunteer Fire Company drop about 500 chocolate coins known as gelt from one of their ladder trucks. The children then eagerly collect the pieces.

“One of the things my wife and I added was the gelt drop,” said Yossi Feller. “We just tried to add some more excitement to the event. The children seem to really enjoy it.”

This year’s celebration falls on the sixth day of Hanukkah and will begin at 5 p.m. All are welcome to attend the free event, which individuals can register for at JewishCranberry.com/Menorah.