The Canadian Federation of Chabad Lubavitch hosted a pre-Chanukah event on Parliament Hill.
Ministers, members of Parliament, Senators and staff from all political parties joined the celebrations.
Rabbi Chaim Mendelsohn, Director of Public Affairs of the Canadian Federation of Chabad Lubavitch opened the ceremony by welcoming those present and giving a brief description of the significance of Chanukah.
The Hon. Jason Kenney, Minister of HRSDC, David Christopherson, deputy leader of the NDP and the Hon. Irwin Cotler all paid tribute to the great work of Chabad across Canada and of what Chanukah means to them personally.
At the conclusion of the ceremony Cantor Shneur Bielak inspired the crowd with a very powerful cantorial rendition.
The evening concluded with a fully catered feast complete with all of the traditional Chanukah delicacies.
The event was covered widely by the Canadian media.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper will be lighting the first Candle in Montreal in the presence of a delegation of Shluchim from Montreal.
