On Monday, December 5, before a crowd of over 700 dignitaries and residents, including five former governors, Rabbi Itchel Krasnjansky of Chabad of Hawaii, in a kapoteh and ceremonial Hawaiian flower lei, delivered the Benediction at the inauguration ceremony of Hawaii’s new Governor Josh Green and Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke. Significantly, the Governor took his oath of office with his hand on a leather-bound Tanach gifted to him by Rabbi Krasnjansky.
The Benediction included messages of strength for the new Governor and his cabinet, drawing inspiration from Chanukah and a mention of “L’chatchila Ariber” in the original Yiddish. This was an extraordinary moment in the history of Hawaii and a true manifestation of the Baal Shem Tov’s prophetic vision of “L’ch’sheyafutzu Maya’anosecha Chutzah.” [Moshiach will come “when the wellsprings of your (the Baal Shem Tov’s) teachings will spread outward.]
The Benediction was well received by the diverse audience, with Governor Josh Green thanking Rabbi Itchel with a warm embrace. Various audience members expressed appreciation for bringing a Jewish voice, presence, and perspective to this august gathering. Immediately afterwards, attending Kauai Island City Council member Felicia Cowden, impressed by the Benediction, turned to Shliach Rabbi Michoel Goldman of Kauai, present in the audience, and invited him to give the invocation at the next Kauai County Council meeting.
Governor Josh Green has already proven a friend to the Jewish communities across Hawaii by enabling public Menorah displays to be erected at the airport on each Hawaiian island. “We look forward to a bright future for Hawaii under the leadership of Governor Green and his team,” said Rabbi Itchel Krasnjansky after his address.
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what a kiddush h-shem !
And THAT’S how we ACE it!!!