Rick Scott, Marco Rubio Mark Start of Hanukkah

Submitted by Anonymous on December 8, 2012 - 12:04pm

Gov. Rick Scott celebrated the beginning of Hanukkah by participating in a ceremonial lighting of the menorah with Rabbi Schneur Oirechman of Chabad Lubavitch of the Panhandle-Tallahassee.

With the beginning of Hanukkah, Jewish families across Florida will reflect on the years blessings and on the importance of tradition and family, Scott stated in a release.

The story of Hanukkah reminds us that confidence in ones identity and hope for the future are powerful forces that cannot be defeated -- even in the darkest of times. Hanukkah is also a time to reiterate our support for the people of Israel. Ann and I wish Floridas Jewish community a very happy Hanukkah, and we are keeping our friends in Israel in our prayers for a future of peace.

U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Miami, earlier released a video statement on Hanukkah.

Hi, Im Marco Rubio. Its my privilege to be a United States senator from the great state of Florida. As our Jewish friends, neighbors and loved ones in Florida and around the world prepare to light the menorah at sundown today, my wife Jeanette and I would like to send warm greetings and best wishes for this joyful eight-day celebration of radiant freedom.

The Festival of Lights commemorates the Jewish peoples perseverance over oppression and their pursuit of the sacred right to worship freely. May the burning candles inspire us to be a more compassionate society, and to serve as a symbol of hope to all those around the world without the freedom to worship freely and openly.

Hanukkah also offers us all a chance to give thanks for the blessings of liberty and to honor Americas Jewish community, whose contributions to our society and culture have made us a stronger and freer nation. As this year comes to a close, I would also like to thank the Jewish community for the honor of representing them, and look forward to continue serving them and all Floridians here in the United States Senate.

May God bless all of you, may God bless the United States. Happy Hanukkah.

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