On the eve of Chanukah, Monday, December 19th, Chabad of Kansas and Missouri hosted close to 100 Kansans for a unique Chanukah celebration with Kansas Governor Sam Brownback and First Lady Mary Brownback, at the official Governor’s private mansion, the Cedar Crest in Topeka, Kansas.
Those attending the celebration included a broad representation of members of the Jewish communities across the state of Kansas, including the greater Kansas City area, Lawrence, Topeka and other areas across Northeast Kansas.
This event was sponsored by Chabad Lubavitch of Kansas and Missouri, and was among the many different Chanukah programs Chabad offered in the region, with the goal of promoting awareness of Chanukah.
At the event, Rabbi Mendy Wineberg, Program Director of Chabad of KC, shared the message of the Menorah, on behalf of his father Rabbi Sholom Wineberg, head Shliach of Kansas and Missouri, who was unable to attend in person.
Rabbi Zalman Tiechtel of Chabad at KU in Lawrence, introduced the Governor and thanked the First Family for opening their hearts and their home for the Jewish community to celebrate together, on behalf of the people of Kansas.
Addressing the crowd and the many media representatives who attended, Governor Brownback remarked, “The celebration of Chanukah is a special time in the Jewish tradition. The miracle of the oil that lasted eight nights instead of one is the commemoration we mark, but the ideals that were fought for then still resonate to this day. They fought for their right to worship freely and they fought for their humanity, in the face of overwhelming odds. I’m proud to be able to stand with the Jewish people of Kansas in celebrating this occasion.”
Rabbi Itche Itkin of Chabad on the Plaza then presented the Governor with a unique gift of a Jerusalem stone Menorah, hand crafted by KC artist Sam Nachum of Jerusalem stone. The Governor and the First Lady were visibly moved, and he spoke of the great connection he feels to the people and the land of Israel.
Following the formal part of the evening, all attending were treated to a delicious buffet of delicious kosher Chanukah treats, including Latkes, Sufganiyot, chocolate gelt and more. The first time Kosher refreshments at Cedar Crest were prepared by the Shluchos, who atteneded this special event and greeted the particpants. Special “Chanukah at Cedar Crest” Yarmulkas were distributed, and all left with a strong sense of Jewish pride.
Chabad has had an established presence in Kansas since 1970, and in addition to the centers in St. Louis and Columbia MO, Chabad has 3 centers in the state of Kansas: Chabad House Center of Kansas City in Overland Park, Chabad on the Plaza and Downtown KC, and Chabad at the University of Kansas in Lawrence.
Whoever thinks of Kansas?
It’s mentioned in history (Kansas Nebraska Act)and in literature(the yellow brick road)but mostly it represents just another Midwest boring(forgive me kasasians) until the Shluchim put it on the map. The Weinbergs and then the Tiechtels and Itkins are making wonderful things happen
Kol hakovod
Bubby and Zaidy Itkin must be so proud that their grandchildren continue to give the Rebbe nachas- This is all they ever wanted! Thank you Teichtels and Itkins….
itche n chanale n meir n zalman n mendel
im soo proud of you guys!!!
i love n miss u tonzzz
where is yosaif goldberg?
Chanale and itche are the best keep making the rebbe proud we loooioooooove you
we love you !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
love a secret admirer
So good to see you Uncle Mendy and Devory.
Keep up the amazing shluchus bringing people closer to yiddishkeit and chassidus.
A dear friend from CH
Go Zalmy & ND!
You guys rock!
What a inspiration!!
yay chanale and itche and crew!!! so nice to see pics of u!! we are so proud of you guys 🙂
A geshmak tzu zen,
Chaver from the midwest
WINEBERGS, WE MISS U!!!!
love from ch!!!
We’re so proud of you. May you grow from strength to strength! Your proud uncle, aunt and pgh. cousins
Yay!! Chanale and itche! Contimue your amazing work!
A freilichin Chanuka love brynie Yuda berele seema and Avrumie
Winebergs – Keep up all the good work that you continuously do.