Illinois Valley Times

Ushering in the Festival of Lights in advance, Gov. Bruce Rauner recently launched the state’s annual Hanukkah Celebration with local constituents at Chicago’s James R. Thompson Center, where a menorah will shine through New Year’s Day.

Introduced by representatives of local Jewish organizations, Rauner spoke to an assembly gathered in the heart of downtown Chicago. One spokesperson said the event dates back decades, with 2016 being Rauner's third year commemorating the holiday.

"As families celebrate this year, they will light candles to honor the miracle of Hanukkah and remember when light conquered darkness, good defeated evil, and freedom prevailed," Rauner said. "Today’s Hanukkah ceremony has been a tradition in the State of Illinois for many years, and we’re thankful to Chabad of Illinois for helping us keep this tradition alive."

Rauner joined Rabbi Avraham Kagen of Chabad of River North, Rabbi Meir Moscowitz of Lubavitch Chabad of Northbrook, Consul General of Israel to the Midwest Aviv Ezra and other state legislators for a traditional dreidel spin.

With Hanukkah beginning on a different date each year due to the Hebrew calendar system — rendering the recent ceremony approximately two weeks early — this year, the holiday dates happen to overlap with both the Christmas and New Year's holidays, lasting for the traditional eight days, from the evening of Dec. 24 to the evening of Jan. 1.

Hanukkah carries a special meaning for the governor and first lady, as one of the holiday’s themes revolves around education, which always has been at the forefront of their advocacy.