Menorah Shines Bright at Minnesota State Capitol

By COLlive reporter

More than 25 menorah-topped vehicles—including three pickups with giant 6-foot menorahs—paraded through St. Paul, Minnesota en route to the State Capitol for a grand public menorah lighting on Sunday, the first night of Chanukah.

The event was organized by Upper Midwest Merkos—Chabad-Lubavitch of the Twin Cities, and shluchim from across the area participated, as well as many community members.

The event was a beautiful display of Jewish pride, which headed through several neighborhoods before making its way downtown, where it halted at the Minnesota State Capitol for a public menorah lighting — a decades-long tradition in the state.

Head Shliach Rabbi Moshe Feller, regional director of Upper Midwest Merkos, addressed the event and shared the Rebbe’s message that the founding fathers believed in G-d and engraved In G-d We Trust on money and on houses of Congress.

Rabbi Menachem Mendel Feller, Associate Director of Upper Midwest Merkos, led the event and shared the Rebbe’s letter to Menorah lighting events, with the message of growth of Torah and Mitzvos and spreading light.

Senator Amy Klobuchar (D) addressed the assembled crowd, remarking that it was encouraging to see so many members of the Jewish community coming out in the cold for this event of Jewish pride.

“As we retell the story of Chanukah and recall the incredible triumph of the Maccabees over an impressive army, I am reflecting on the importance of protecting the freedom of worship and combatting antisemitism in all forms. I think Chanukah has a whole new meaning now with what we are dealing with across the nation and across the world,” Klobuchar said.

Rabbi Mayer Rubinfeld, who organized the event, lit the 12-foot Capitol Menorah and Senator Klobuchar and all those gathered looked on.

Those gathered enjoyed Chanukah refreshments and lively music before heading home in their menorah-topped cars, continuing to illuminate their surroundings with the bright light of Chanukah.

VIDEO: Senator Amy Klobuchar remarks