For over two decades, Chabad of Tallahassee and the Panhandle has conducted a Chanukah celebration with the governor of Florida, highlighted by lighting a six-foot menorah. And the present governor, Mr. Ron DeSantis, was pleased that this year would not be different.
This tradition started with the then-governor Mr. Jeb Bush, who hosted shliach Rabbi Schneur Oirechman, executive director of Chabad of Tallahassee and FSU, and his family, in the governor’s office. But the annual event quickly grew much larger and was soon relocated to the spacious governor’s mansion.
This year’s lighting was held on Wednesday evening, December 16, with the lighting of the seventh candle. Due to the coronavirus, the event was held outdoors, and the number of participants was limited (in fact, the news media was not allowed in at all). But that did not dampen the spirit!
The event was sponsored by Simon and Jana Falic on behalf of the Falic Family Foundation. In addition to Rabbi Oirechman, the Jewish community of Florida was represented by Bal Harbour Mayor Gabriel Groisman, Mr. Joe Zevuloni, Robert Malov, Michael Citron, Michael Abadi, and Richard Harary, together with Eytan Laor, Andy Fiske, Stephen Fiske, Marc Goldman, and Diana Taub.
Rabbi Oirechman addressed the gathering, recalling the governor’s visit to Israel, highlighting how the governor’s contribution to Florida’s Jewish community, his fight against antisemitism, and his unwavering support for Israel, enlighten Florida just as do the Chanukah candles.
Governor DeSantis spoke at length about the contribution of Florida’s Jewish community. He also emphasized Florida’s special relationship with the State of Israel, and Israel’s contribution to Florida, especially in science and technology.
Mr. Zevuloni personally thanked the governor for his support, and then, in a particularly moving moment, presented a letter of gratitude to the governor, which garnered over 10,000 signatures in only 24 hours.
In addition, Rabbi Mark Rosenberg, the director of Chesed Shel Emet of Florida and chaplain of the Florida Highway Patrol, presented awards to the Governor in honor of Chanukah and thanked the Governor for an outstanding relationship with the Medical Examiners offices ensuring Kvod Hames when it relates to death dignity and Jewish culture.
Chaplain Rosenberg also expressed deep gratitude on behalf of the Jewish community for all the effort made during the Jewish holidays by providing additional security Statewide but especially for the Holiday details and year-round cooperation in South Florida from FHP Troop E under the leadership of Commander and Major Christopher Dellapietra which represents the largest Jewish Orthodox communities.
Rabbi Oirechman also recognized and thanked Chief Rosana Cordero – Stutz of the Miami Dade Police Department who was also in attendance and represented Director Alfredo Ramirez.
Also in attendance was Colonel Gene Spaulding, Director of the Florida Highway Patrol, who oversees the entire state patrol, who works side by side with Chabad and Chesed Shel Emes and is always available to accommodate the needs of the Jewish community.
The evening concluded with Governor DeSantis thanking the participants for coming and joining him in this celebration.
VIDEO: Gov DeSantis speech
Could you tell me how Boruch Shmuel is? I say tehillim for him every day and I rarely read updates about his progress. I really hope his sight is much better…or iy”h completely better!