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Photos: Rich Hundley III/Governor’s Office

The Governor of New Jersey, Phil Murphy, joined by more than 170 leaders from all over New jersey; lit the Eighth Candle on Thursday night at Drumthwacket, the Governor’s Residence.

The Governor was joined by the first lady Tammy Murphy, and the program was chaired by NJ Attorney General, Matt Platkin. The Governor invited the Alexander family, parents and siblings of the Israeli soldier, Edan Alexander, who is currently one of the Hamas hostages., to join in lighting the candles. After the Governor lit the Shamash candle, the Menorah was lit by the parents and siblings of Edan Alexander.

Rabbi Yosef Carlebach, Director of Chabad at Rutgers University, and central-south New Jersey, led the audience with singing the traditional Chanukah songs. The entire crowd joined Governor and Mrs. Murphy in praying for the welfare and safe return of all the hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza area. The entire crowd then joined in a Glatt Kosher deli-meal, complete with kosher Israeli wine.

Rabbi Carlebach said, “it was a true honor to join Governor Phil and Tammy Murphy, the Attorney General Matt Platkin, and so many other leaders from all over the state. There has never been a more important time to gather as one nation, and light a candle , especially a Chanukah candle to thank G-d for the miracles done thousands of years ago, and for the miracles we are currently praying for. May all of Israel be celebrating the release of all the hostages, and a complete victory for our brethren in Israel.”

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