Local Jewish community turns out for Hanukkah celebrations

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Chabad of South Hills kicked off the first night of Hanukkah in Dormont with a party in the Dormont pool parking lot, featuring an 8-foot-tall dancing robot.

Jon Andreassi/The Almanac

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The Hanukkah celebration drew a big crowd in front of the Washington County Courthouse on Dec. 11.

Courtesy of Chabad of the South Hills

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Rabbi Mendy Rosenblum of Chabad of the South Hills speaks at the Hanukkah celebration in Washington County.

Courtesy of Chabad of the South Hills

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A large crowd gathered in front of the Washington County Courthouse Dec. 11 to celebrate Hanukkah. This was the second year Chabad of the South Hills hosted the event. The Mt. Lebanon-based synagogue has been reaching out to Washington County since the closure of Beth Israel’s synagogue in Washington. Speakers at Monday’s celebration included Washington police Chief Dan Rush and county Commissioner Larry Maggi. “It was a spectacular evening filled with great company, delicious Hanukkah treats, lively music, and lots of Jewish pride from the Jewish community and beyond,” said Rabbi Mendel Wolowik in an email. Chabad of the South Hills also held a celebration the first night of Hanukkah at the Dormont pool parking lot, which included the lighting of a large menorah and an 8-foot tall dancing robot.