Bagpipe Band Plays Chanuka Tunes

Chabad of Carnegie Mellon University brought the CMU Jewish community together on December 12 to light a nine-foot menorah in the center of campus for the first time ever.

CMU faculty member, Anne Witchner, lit the menorah followed by Chabad Student president, Nathan Oshlag lighting the rest of the torches and reciting the blessings.

The highlight of the evening was the novelty of the live Chanukah music played by the CMU Bagpipe Band along with hot apple cider and latkes for all who participated in this historic event.

This program, coordinated by Chabad of Carnegie Mellon University, was co-sponsored by AEPi, Hillel JUC, Jewish Student Association and Tartans for Israel. Chabad arranged for the nine-foot menorah to be stationed in the center of CMU’s campus during the eight-day holiday, to spread the light of Chanukah to the entire campus community.

“This was the first time that bagpipes played Chanukah music, originally arranged by the Bagpipe band,” said Rabbi Shlomo Silverman, director of Chabad of CMU. “Bagpipes are a nine- note instrument, so playing Jewish music can be a challenge. Chabad was happy to work with the director of the band, Prof. Andrew Carlisle, to put together a medley of Chanukah music using sections that the bagpipes were able to play.”

In addition to this festive menorah lighting on the fifth night of Chanukah, Chabad provided a full week of Chanukah programs for CMU students including smaller menorah lightings, a falafel dinner, Chanukah parties, and more. For more information, see Chabad of CMU’s website, www.chabadofcmu.com or email [email protected].