By COLlive reporter
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and Senate President Stephen Sweeney joined over 70 of the state’s Chabad Shluchim for the 37th annual Menorah Lighting at the New Jersey State House.
The event, a project of the Rabbinical College of America and it’s 59 Chabad House affiliates throughout the State of New Jersey, drew over 100 Jewish leaders and lay people to Trenton on a cold Wednesday afternoon.
Wearing a Kippah embroidered with his name, Murphy spoke passionately about the universal message of Chanukah remarking that “we must remember that we still have much to do to banish hatred and anti-Semitism throughout the State and the Country.”
He lauded Chabad of New Jersey, under the directorship of Rabbi Moshe Herson, for their efforts in bringing light and kindness to all the citizens of New Jersey.
Miles Berger, a personal friend of the Governor and longtime board member of the Rabbinical College of America, and Rabbi Mendy Herson, Associate Dean of the Rabbinical College presented the Governor with a Menorah.
“May you always remember that just like the Menorah, with it’s 8 unique branches stemming from the same source, so too do all the diverse citizens of our State stem from the same source,” remarked Rabbi Mendy Herson to the Governor.
Senate President Sweeney, who has been a longtime friend of Chabad and the Shluchim, spoke warmly of his decade of partnership with Chabad and of the goodness and blessings the Shluchim bring to their respective communities.
“I began lighting the Menorah with Chabad of Gloucester County 10 years ago, and I can tell you that I am a better person because of my friendship with Chabad,” Sweeney said.
Rabbi Eitan Webb, Director of Chabad at Princeton, NJ, who MC’d the event, highlighted some of the ongoing and new initiatives undertaken by Chabad in NJ and noted that the Shluchim don’t just speak theoretically about giving of themselves for others, but are willing to do anything to help another person.
After lighting the Menorah both the Governor and Senate President joined the Shluchim in dancing in front of the Menorah.
“Having such support from the highest levels of our State Government is so crucial to the amazing work done by the Shluchim throughout the State,” remarked Rabbi Avi Richler, who coordinated the event on behalf of the Rabbinical College of America.
“What a thrill to be a part of this event with Chabad,” said the Governor smiling and blessing the group, “This year may all your Draidles land on Gimmel!”
Rabbi Baruch Klar has been coordinating this event for the past 35 years,as you can see he is standing right on the left side of the governor as he is lighting the menorah;just want to mention this as it is important to give credit to the one who’s been doing all the work behind the scenes