A group of students and community members recited prayers and songs in English and Hebrew to celebrate Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, at the Governor’s Mansion on Tuesday night. The event was the first time Hanukkah has been celebrated at the Governor’s Mansion.
Gov. Jon Huntsman said he had attended previous Hanukkah events with Chabad Lubavitch, but felt it was important to personally recognize the “strong and vibrant Jewish community in Utah.”
The Governor said he wanted to open the doors of the Governor’s Mansion to as many people as possible and felt it was an appropriate way to celebrate the holiday season.
Students from Chabad on Campus, a Jewish group at the U, were among the attendees.
“I think it’s very important for society to understand different cultures, because lack of knowledge might lead to intolerance,” said Heather Galiano, a senior in elementary education. “Also, (it’s important) because people become more unified and understand aspects of each other’s beliefs.”
Rabbi Benny Zippel of Chabad Lubavitch of Utah led the celebration and shared the story of the miracle of Hanukkah, a time when Jews commemorate the ancient victory of the Jewish people against the Greek-Syrian army and the miracle of the oil that Jews believe burned for eight nights. Additionally, it is a time for rededicating oneself to God and a time to remember the victory of the few over the many, and of the weak over the mighty, Zippel said.
“It’s important that the miracle of Hanukkah, which is the predominance of light over darkness, be acknowledged and experienced by as many as possible,” Zippel said. “A small amount of light has the power to dispel much darkness.”
Zippel also spoke to the audience about the importance of mitzvah or good deeds and thanked Huntsman for his invitation.
Huntsman reflected about Jewish history in Utah, including Simon Bamberger, who served as governor from 1917 to 1921. Utah was one of the first states to elect a Jewish governor.
Huntsman also recognized the presence of Abe Katz, a Salt Lake area Holocaust survivor, who said he was honored to be at the Governor’s Mansion celebrating Hanukkah.
After the menorah-lighting ceremony, attendees greeted each other with “Chag sameach” or “happy holidays” as they ate latkes, fried potato pancakes and other Jewish holiday treats.
Jewish students will ice skate at Gallivan Plaza with other members of Chabad Lubavitch on Sunday evening to celebrate the Jewish holiday season. Tuesday night was the first of eight nights of Hanukkah. The Festival of Lights lasts until Dec. 12.