The annual Chabad-sponsored “Grand Community-wide Chanukah Celebration” at the Kansas State Capitol will bring Hanukkah celebrations into the central hub of Kansas’ government.
The celebration will take place from 5 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 12 (the sixth night of Hanukkah) at the state capitol (SW 8th and SW Van Buren St., Topeka, KS 66612).
This event is free and open to the public, but reservations are appreciated so that enough supplies will be on hand. A reception will follow the program, which will include a candle lighting ceremony and Hanukkah foods such as latkes, donuts and gelt.
Representatives of several communities from across Kansas, including Wichita, Manhattan, Topeka, Lawrence and Johnson County, are expected to participate. Kansas Governor Laura Kelly is expected to attend, as are many other elected officials and Jewish community leaders.
“Celebrating this important holiday at the state capitol is a great boost of Jewish pride for the Jews of Kansas,” said Rabbi Zalman Tiechtel, director of KU Chabad. Rabbi Tiechtel is organizing the event in partnership with the regional Chabad centers.
“Especially during these challenging times for the Jewish people, we need to stand taller and prouder to express our courage and strength as an eternal people,” Rabbi Tiechtel continued. “Unlike other Jewish holidays that are celebrated in the home or synagogue, an important aspect of Hanukkah is to spread the light and share the miracle by having large public menorah lightings. We are delighted to host this celebration at the capitol of our beloved state of Kansas.”
Reservations can be made by emailing or by calling KU Chabad at (785) 832-8672.
