Alongside Jewish community members, city and state officials celebrated Hanukkah with menorah lightings.
On Dec. 23, Kansas officials participated in the “Light Up The Night” pre-Hanukkah celebration at the Kansas State Capitol in Topeka, and on Dec. 26, the second night of Hanukkah was celebrated at the Kansas City, Missouri, City Hall.
State celebration
The pre-holiday reception at the capitol was hosted by Chabad and attended by Governor Laura Kelly and other elected officials. The event brought together Jewish Kansans from areas including Kansas City, Lawrence, Topeka and Wichita.
Sponsored by Chabad of Kansas, the reception was one of many Hanukkah programs aimed at fostering holiday awareness and reaching thousands. This year also marked the 18th anniversary of Hanukkah celebrations at the capitol.
“Having the celebration of this important holiday at the state capitol is a great boost of Jewish pride for the Jews of Kansas,” said Rabbi Zalman Tiechtel of KU Chabad, who organized the event. “Unlike other Jewish holidays celebrated at home or in the synagogue, Hanukkah emphasizes sharing its light and miracle through public menorah lightings.”
KU Chabad co-director Rabbi Zalman Tiechtel speaking to community members, Kansas government officials and the media about Hanukkah at the Kansas State Capitol on Dec. 23.
This year’s theme, “Illuminating Impact: Honoring Kansas’ Lamplighters,” celebrated individuals whose dedication and leadership inspire and uplift communities across the state.
The program opened with Rabbi Tiechtel explaining the significance of the event, highlighting the governor’s role as a “shamash” — the menorah’s servant candle that kindles others. He encouraged attendees to look beyond global challenges and take personal responsibility to bring light into the world.
“Let’s pledge together to do our part to light up the world, starting with the candles we will light this Hanukkah,” he said.
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly; Kansas State Rep. Dan Osman; and Temple Beth Sholom Rabbi Sam Stern lighting an electric menorah at the Kansas State Capitol on Dec. 23.
Ann Slegman Isenberg of Kansas City, one of the honored lamplighters, shared reflections on her contributions to the community before introducing Gov. Kelly.
In her remarks, Gov. Kelly denounced antisemitism and all forms of prejudice.
“I will continue to call out and condemn antisemitism, racism and prejudice of any kind,” she said.
The event featured a special announcement about the establishment of Chabad of Olathe, the first Jewish institution in that city. Rabbi Mendel and Sheina Wenger shared their vision for a vibrant Jewish future in Olathe, Kansas’ fourth-largest city.
Nechama Tiechtel presented Gov. Kelly with a handcrafted dreidel featuring Kansas icons and university mascots as a token of appreciation from the Jewish community.
KU Chabad co-director Nechama Tiechtel presenting Gov. Kelly with a KU Jayhawk-themed dreidel.
David Block, a real estate entrepreneur, philanthropist and publisher of Kansas City Magazine, was also honored as a lamplighter. His remarks highlighted his commitment to addressing critical community issues and encouraged others to do the same.
The menorah lighting followed, with Gov. Kelly lighting the shamash and eight additional lamplighters, including Jewish and community leaders, lighting the menorah candles.
These included David Block; State Rep. Dan Osman; Michael Levine, president of the board of Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy; Rabbi Sam Stern of Topeka’s Temple Beth Sholom; Tom Isenberg, past board chair of Synergy Services; John Isenberg, past board chair of the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City; Rabbi Avremi Baron of KCteen; and Jewish teen leader Ethan Hobbs.
The celebration concluded with traditional Hanukkah music, latkes, sufganiyot, chocolate gelt, dreidels and other holiday treats.
“King Solomon said, ‘The soul of man is the candle of God.’ The theme of this event, ‘Lamplighters,’ reminds us that each of us is a shining candle. It is our duty to shine our light so brightly that others can find their way out of the dark,” Rabbi Tiechtel said.
Rabbi Mendel Wenger, Rabbi Zalman Tiechtel, Gov. Kelly, Rabbi Mendy Wineberg and Rabbi Avremi Baron.
Kansas City celebration
Federation President and CEO Jay Lewis, JCRB|AJC Interim Executive Director Neta Meltzer and Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Quinton Lucas at the City Hall for a Hanukkah celebration on Dec. 26.
In Kansas City, Missouri, the Hanukkah celebration at City Hall included government representation by Mayor Quinton Lucas, who opened the event; City Manager Brian Platt (who is also a Jewish community member); and city councilman Wes Rogers.
Jewish community leaders involved in the program included Jay Lewis, president and CEO of Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City; Neta Meltzer, interim executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Bureau | American Jewish Committee; Derek Gale, vice president and COO of Jewish Federation; and Rabbi Doug Alpert of Congregation Kol Ami.
Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Quinton Lucas (center)with young Jewish community members (from left) Asher Bassin, Solomon Abelson, Tali Bassin, Sidney Hoffman, Judah Bassin, Zeke Abelson, Declan Karns and Eli Gale on Dec. 26. (City Hall)
Rabbi Alpert led lighting of both a menorah inside the chambers and the 12-foot-tall menorah outside of the city hall. The outdoor menorah was lit at 7 p.m. each night of Hanukkah.
Following the menorah lighting, Gale announced a 1-minute-and-40-second moment of silence. Each second represented a hostage currently held by Hamas.
A lit menorah outside of the Kansas City, Missouri, City Hall on Dec. 26. (City Hall)
