LOS ANGELES, CA – On Monday, December 19, The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles hosted a Chanukah Celebration with Los Angeles elected officials and community leaders. Mayor of Los Angeles Eric Garcetti attended the event, in addition to the following elected and local officials: Congressmember-elect Nanette Barragán, State Senator Ben Allen, Assemblymember Richard Bloom, Assemblymember Jimmy Gomez, District Attorney Jackie Lacey, Councilmember Paul Koretz, Councilmember David Ryu and UCLA Chancellor Gene Block. Jay Sanderson, President of The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles gave remarks on behalf of the Federation, in addition to Julie Platt, Chair of the Board of The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, and Jesse Gabriel, Board Member of The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles and Chair of the Federation’s Community Engagement Executive Committee.
Jay Sanderson, President & CEO of The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles said, “We are honored to host Los Angeles elected officials and community leaders at The Jewish Federation to celebrate Chanukah, the Festival of Lights. The themes of this holiday — miracles, community, hope, dedication, tolerance and religious freedom — are important values, and embody the very essence of our work. We are extremely grateful to celebrate this holiday with Mayor Eric Garcetti and our distinguished guests and leaders, and look forward to many more events together in the future. Wishing everyone a Happy Holiday and a Happy New year.”
“During Chanukah, we come together to remember a story about the triumph of hope against all odds — and celebrate the profound beauty and resilience of light,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti. “The Jewish Federation is a beacon of light and hope in Los Angeles, and I am grateful for the work they do to live and share those ideals in our community every day.”
Rabbi David Wolpe of Sinai Temple shared his thoughts on the holiday, and led the leaders and audience in a symbolic menorah lighting and blessings for the special occasion.
“Here at the Federation, we care for Jews in need, ensure the Jewish future, and work to build a better Los Angeles. For over 100 years, we have worked together with the Greater Los Angeles community to accomplish these goals,” said Julie Platt, Chair of the Board of The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles. She continued, “Thank you to everyone in this room, including all of our elected officials and community leaders, for helping make our work possible and for supporting our shared values.”
Guests enjoyed traditional Chanukah treats including potato pancakes (latkas) and jelly doughnuts (sufganiyot).
Photo Details and Captions:
Photo 1: From Left to Right: Mayor Eric Garcetti; Julie Platt, Chair of the Board of The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles; Jay Sanderson, President & CEO of The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles; Jesse Gabriel, Board Member and Chair of the Community Engagement Executive Committee of The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles; and Rabbi David Wolpe, The Max Webb Senior Rabbi of Sinai Temple
Photo 2: From Left to Right: Mayor Eric Garcetti, Jay Sanderson, Jesse Gabriel
Photo 3: Rabbi David Wolpe Lighting the Chanukah Menorah
Photo 4: From Left to Right: Councilmember David Ryu; Councilmember Paul Koretz; Julie Platt, Chair of the Board of The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles; State Senator Ben Allen; Jesse Gabriel, Board Member and Chair of the Community Engagement Executive Committee of The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles; Assemblymember Jimmy Gomez; Jay Chen, Mt. San Antonio College Board of Trustee
Photo Credit: Howard Pasamanick Photography
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