CHEYENNE, Wyo. — To mark the beginning of Hannukah, which is observed for eight nights and days, Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon and First Lady Gordon hosted a Hanukkah Menorah Lighting Ceremony at the State Capitol Building this morning in Cheyenne.
Hannukah began last night at sundown and ends the evening of Dec. 26.
The Capitol Hanukkah party included a giant menorah-lighting ceremony and remarks from elected leaders and community rabbis as well as Hanukkah menorah gifts and treats.
The event is sponsored by Chabad Jewish Center of Wyoming, with the participation of Jewish communities throughout Wyoming, including Laramie, Cheyenne, Jackson and Casper. Rabbi Zalman Mendelsohn, director of the Chabad Jewish Center of Wyoming, presided over the ceremony. Rabbi Yaakov Raskin, director of the newly established Chabad Jewish Center of Laramie, told the history and Hanukkah story.
“The lighting of the menorah at the State Capitol Building is a wonderful symbol of the religious diversity that is the hallmark of Wyoming and of this great country,” said Rabbi Mendelsohn. “We are honored that Governor and First Lady Gordon have chosen to host this celebration.”
Members of the Jewish communities across the state are expected to gather safely and participate in this celebration after a nearly two-year hiatus, and record numbers of participants are expected to join Chabad Jewish Center of Wyoming’s menorah lighting this year.
“Everyone is especially excited about Hanukkah this year,” said Rabbi Raskin. “People are preparing to celebrate with family and friends, to fill their homes with the light of Hanukkah, and there’s a palpable joy. The public Hanukkah celebration is about sharing this light and joy with the broader community. Everyone is welcome to attend”.
Earlier this month, Governor Mark Gordon issued a statement in response to the recent rise in antisemitism and expressed his support of Jewish communities and minorities across the state and worldwide.
“Targeted attacks on LGBTQ people and the increasing visibility of anti-semitism in our country is both deeply concerning and unAmerican,” Gordon said.
“As the Equality State, Wyoming is not – and should not be – a place where bigotry, discrimination and antisemitism are tolerated. The Wyoming Constitution speaks clearly and emphatically about civil rights and equality for ‘all members of the human race.’ Tolerance and understanding are essential to the health of our state and our nation.”
