Tree Of Life Congregation Marks Start Of Hanukkah

December 26, 2024 5:06 am

PITTSBURGH — (WPXI) – The community came together on the first night of Hanukkah for a special ceremony in Squirrel Hill on Wednesday. The candle lighting of the larger-than-life menorah in front of the Tree of Life synagogue has a deeper meaning. “Remember it takes just a little light to dispel the darkness,” said Tree of Life synagogue Rabbi Jeffrey Myers. Standing strong outside the Pittsburgh synagogue, the menorah was a gift to the congregation in 2018, just weeks after the deadly antisemitic shooting where 11 Jewish worshipers were killed. Though plans are underway for a new synagogue on the site, the congregation, including Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, who survived the horrific mass shooting, said this will always be their home. “We’re temporarily not housed in this space but we’re still here,” Myers said. “Our spirit didn’t leave and the light that’s Tree of Life congregation didn’t go out. We are still here.” The Rabbi said Judaism and Christianity are intertwined through that light, especially on a rare double holiday. This December 25, Hanukkah and Christmas fall on the same day for the first time in 19 years.