Nevada Senators Mark Chanukah

Nevada Senators Harry Reid and Dean Heller celebrated the fifth day of Chanukah today with West Coast rabbis.

Rabbi Mendel Cunin of Chabad of Northern Nevada, Rabbi Chaim Cunin and Rabbi Yosef Cunin of West Coast Chabad, and Rabbi Shmuel Herzfeld of Ohev Sholom Synagogue were there.

At the event, Chabad saluted Senator Reid for his decades-long efforts to achieve a modern-day Chanukah miracle for the sacred Schneerson books and manuscripts, seized by the Soviets and Nazis over 70 years ago, that await their freedom from Russia to their rightful home in the United States.

Rabbi Herzfeld brought a unique menorah by Israeli artist Yaron Bob, crafted out of a terrorist rocket that was launched at innocent civilians living in Sderot, Israel. It was transformed into a peaceful instrument of light and illumination, in the spirit of the words of the Prophet Michah, “They will beat their swords into plowshares…”

“Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, is a special time for all of us,” said Senator Harry Reid. “The holiday gives Nevadans and Americans an opportunity to celebrate freedom in all of its forms. This virtue is represented in the Hanukkah menorah, a symbol of peace, strength, and fortitude and I am pleased to be joined by my friends to kindle the lights menorah each year. I hope Nevadans can join one another to make this holiday, and those that follow this season, a special time for everyone in our communities.”

“It was an honor to join Rabbi Mendel Cunin, Rabbi Chaim Cunin, Rabbi Yosef Cunin and Rabbi Shmuel Herzfeld, Senator Reid and Nevadans from across the state to recognize this important holiday. As families and communities join together to celebrate this year, we are reminded of the true meaning of Chanukah, which is peace and joy around the world. I would like to wish everyone a very warm and joyous holiday season and a Happy New Year,” said Senator Dean Heller.

“Our annual tradition of illuminating the Chanukah lights with Senator Reid has become the highlight of our Festival of Lights,” said Rabbi Chaim Cunin.

“Its message of hope and freedom is now more important than ever, as millions of Nevadans and Americans are struggling to provide for their families during this holiday season. As we kindle these lights, we pray that our elected officials are blessed with the wisdom, courage and inspiration to continue to lead our great nation, especially in these challenging times.”