On the eve of the eighth night of Chanukah, Chabad of Kansas hosted the first ever Chanukah Celebration at the Kansas State Capitol. Gov. Sam Brownback, Secretary of Labor Lana Gordon, who is originally from the Kansas City area and still has family here, and other elected officials attended.
Those attending the celebration included a broad representation of members of the Jewish communities across the state of Kansas, including the greater Kansas City area, Lawrence, Topeka, Wichita and other areas across Kansas. Two busses — one from Overland Park and another from Lawrence — transported people to Topeka from the Chabad House Center and students from KU Chabad.
This event was sponsored by Chabad Lubavitch of Kansas and was among the many different Chanukah programs Chabad offered in the region, promoting holiday awareness and reaching thousands during this eight day holiday.
The event began as Rabbi Zalman Tiechtel, the director of Chabad at KU, spoke about the significance of this occasion, as the Kansas governor joins a select group of governors from across the United States who have lit Chanukah menorahs at their respective state capitol buildings. He mentioned that the role of the governor is like the shamash on the menorah, being a public servant, one who serves others and dedicates his life to improving the lives of the citizens of Kansas. Rabbi Tiechtel also alluded to the recent quadruple homicide in the capital city and encouraged people to “put aside some of the darkness” that has occurred here and elsewhere.
“Let’s put aside some of the challenges we’ve been experiencing in the world at large, and let’s pledge together to do our part to light up the world starting with these eight candles here tonight,” he said.
Gordon then introduced the governor, remarking how although this is the fifth year Chabad brought the joy of Chanukah to the State Capitol, it is the first time this event was taking place in the Capitol building itself. She reflected on how beautiful it was to meet so many different people of all walks of life who have joined together to celebrate this special holiday at the Capitol this year.
Addressing the crowd, Gov. Brownback welcomed the Jewish people, saying they are a wonderful group and unfortunately persecuted in many places. He told the audience that in Kansas “you’re not going to struggle” as the state believes in the motto, “In God We Trust.” He praised the Jewish people for carrying their monotheistic faith since it was handed to them by Abraham.
“I want you to feel welcome in Kansas,” Brownback said. “I consider it a great honor to have all of you here at the capitol.”
Rabbi Mendy Wineberg of Chabad House Center of KC shared a holiday message about the importance of recognizing that each one of us has the power to be a lamplighter by increasing in acts of goodness and kindness to make this world a better place. Rabbi Wineberg then presented the governor with a Chanukah gift on behalf of all the Jewish communities across the state — a signed book on Jewish wisdom and a framed picture of the governor lighting the Menorah at a previous Chanukah celebration.
Cantor Joseph Kagan of Miami — accompanied by violinist Avery Parkhust, a KU freshman and 2013 Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy graduate — led the crowd in singing the menorah blessings. Gov. Brownback kindled the shamash and eight people representing various Jewish communities from across Kansas each lit one candle.
Among the lamplighters during this celebration was special guest Lt. Col. Moran Omer of the Israel Defense Forces, who lit a candle along with his young son. Army specialist Eliezer Goldblatt of 1st Infantry division in Fort Riley also lit a candle. Various rabbis and lay leaders from across the state participated in the kindling of the remaining candles.
The event concluded with live Chanukah music as all enjoyed hot latkes with sufganiot, chocolate gelt, dreidels and Chanukah treats.
The event received major news coverage, from the Associated Press to many local affiliate channels in Topeka.
“Having the celebration of this important holiday at the state capitol is a great boost of Jewish pride for the Jews of Kansas” remarked Rabbi Mendy Wineberg of Chabad of KC. “Unlike other Jewish holidays that are celebrated in the home or synagogue, an important aspect of Chanukah is to spread the light and share the miracle by having large public menorah lightings.”
The Chanukah at the Capitol event was sponsored by Miles and Paula Schnaer of Crown Automotive in Lawrence, Liberty Fruit company and Jay Marjorie Robinow.
