ILLINOIS SHLUCHIM PRESENT MENORAH TO GOVERNOR BLAGOJEVICH

SNS ILLINOIS BUREAU
9:42:PM Wednesday, Dec 24, 2003

On Monday, in the spirit of the universal message of Chanukah, fifteen Rabbis from Lubavitch Chabad of Illinois presented Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich with a silver Menorah at a moving Chanukah ceremony today.

Rabbi Daniel Moscowitz, Regional Director of the twenty-two Lubavitch Chabad of Illinois offices, and State Senator Ira Silverstein, led the delegation that met in the Governor’s office.

Each of the Rabbis had a moment with the governor who assured them that he would increase the awareness and the message of Chanukah, the Festival of Lights. The governor recounted his trip to Israel as a Congressman and lauded the work of Lubavitch Chabad around the State. The Menorah was then kindled marking the third day of the Chanukah holiday, as the Rabbis joined in a festive Chanukah song.

In his remarks Rabbi Moscowitz said, “Chanukah teaches us that no matter how insurmountable the odds may seem, miracles can come to those full of faith and courage. People around the world, can draw inspiration from the story of Chanukah. Let the candles of this Menorah be the unwavering flame that rekindles the depth of our commitment and hope. May our prayers and acts of goodness and kindness, be the guiding flames that cast away the shadow of despair, as it reveals the path to everlasting peace. We wish Governor Blagojevich and all the wonderful citizens of our State much success and the ultimate blessings of peace and prosperity.”

Also present at the ceremony were: Rabbi Meir Chai Benhiyoun, Lubavitch Chabad of the Loop & Gold Coast; Rabbi Yishaya Benjaminson, Lubavitch Chabad of Glenview; Rabbi Yosef Brackman, Lubavitch Chabad of Hyde Park; Rabbi Baruch Epstein, Lubavitch Chabad of Illinois Central office; Rabbi Dovid Flinkenstein, Lubavitch Chabad of Wilmette; Rabbi Baruch Hertz, Congregation Bnei Ruven; Rabbi Meir Moscowitz, Lubavitch Chabad of Northbrook; Rabbi Yosef Shmuel Moscowitz, Chabad Youth Center; Rabbi Shmuel Notik, Synagogue F.R.E.E.; Rabbi Moshe B. Perlstein, Lubavitch Mesivta of Chicago; Rabbi Shalom Ber Tenenbaum, Lubavitch Chabad of Gurnee; Rabbi Yitzchok Wolf , Seymour J. Abrams Cheder Lubavitch Day School; and Rabbi Avrohom Wolowik, Lubavitch Chabad of Naperville.