|
Gov. Blagojevich celebrates the first night
of Hanukkah by lighting menorah at the Thompson Center
Send a link to a friend
[DEC. 8, 2004]
CHICAGO -- On Tuesday, Gov.
Rod Blagojevich joined Rabbi Daniel Moscowitz of the Lubavitch
Chabad of Illinois and some of Illinois' Jewish elected officials in
the lobby of the Thompson Center in a celebration of the first night
of Hanukkah. Gov. Blagojevich lit the first candle to mark the start
of the Jewish Festival of Lights, which continues through Dec. 15.
The program also included Hanukkah songs by the Seymour J. Abrams
Hebrew Day School children's choir from Skokie.
|
|
"Hanukkah is a celebration of light,
optimism and hope," the governor said. "During this holiday season,
we can take the themes and lessons of Hanukkah to add hope to our
lives." The governor's
participation in the menorah lighting continues his celebration of
the holiday season. Last week, the governor along with his family
lit the holiday tree at the Thompson Center as he kicked off the
Keep our Kids Warm and Safe annual giving program. The governor will
be in Springfield on Wednesday to light the first Christmas tree in
the newly built Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library.
"Hanukkah teaches us that no matter
how insurmountable the odds may seem, miracles can come to those
full of faith and courage. We wish Governor Blagojevich and all the
wonderful citizens of our state much success and the ultimate
blessings of peace and prosperity," said Rabbi Moscowitz, regional
director of the Lubavitch Chabad of Illinois.
[to top of second column in
this article]
 |
Lubavitch Chabad of Illinois has 22
centers throughout the state, from Gurnee to Champaign. The centers
provide social, educational and religious services to all.
Hanukkah marks the victory of Jews
over an oppressive Syrian-Greek regime over 2,100 years ago and
celebrates a single vial of oil, which burned for eight days to
rededicate the Temple in Jerusalem. In commemoration, Jews around
the world light candles of the nine-branched menorah (candelabrum)
every night during the holiday.
[News release from the
governor's office] |
