Governor Lights the Menorah
Festival of Lights Brightens Whitefish Bay
On a crisp December night, our community gathered on the corner of Berkeley and Silver Spring in downtown Whitefish Bay to light the Hanukkah menorah. As we espouse in our agency strategic road map, it was a special and accessible way to create spaces, moments and opportunities for everyone to live their lives Jewishly.
We were fortunate to welcome distinguished guests: Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes and Secretary of the Department of Financial Institutions Kathy Koltin Blumenfeld joined us as we lit the nine-foot-tall menorah donated to the JCC by Wagner Pediatric Dentistry.
After an introduction by JCC President & CEO Mark Shapiro, Governor Evers addressed the crowd with heartfelt holiday greetings and a message highlighting inclusivity, diversity and shared values. He stressed that not only do we need to speak out against hatred and violence; but we need to do good deeds, seek justice, and be kind. Following the candle lighting, our guests and the JCC Board of Directors were welcomed into Yellow Wood by owners Debra & Moshe Katz to warm up, have a nosh, and socialize.
The winter chill was handily thwarted by the warmth and enthusiasm of the crowd singing blessings and songs, enthusiastically led by Camp Interlaken JCC song leaders, and welcoming in the light of Hanukkah together.
