Light Menorah, Celebrate Holiday with Jewish Community Leaders
CHICAGO - December 10, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn and Lt. Governor Sheila Simon today were joined by state legislators, Rabbi Avroham Kagan and Rabbi Daniel Moscowitz of Chabad Illinois and other leaders of the Jewish community for the state of Illinois' annual Hanukkah celebration. The governor and lt. governor led the group in lighting the menorah to commemorate the third night of this special holiday.
"Hanukkah is a joyous holiday that brings friends and family together in celebration," Governor Quinn said. "I wish those celebrating in Illinois a happy Hanukkah, and hope everyone in our state has a safe holiday season."
"This is the time of year when we all gather with our loved ones to celebrate our blessings. I would like to wish a happy Hanukkah to those who will light the menorah tonight, and a happy and healthy holidays to all," Lt. Governor Simon said.
Hanukkah celebrates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, as well as the triumph of light and purity. When the Jews tried to purify the Temple upon reclaiming it, there was only enough oil to light the menorah for one day instead of the necessary eight. Miraculously, this small amount of oil lasted all eight days, which is why this holiday is also known as the Festival of Lights.
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