Chanukah at the Maryland Governor’s Mansion

Governor Hogan and Rabbi Ariel Sadwin and son Elie

On Sunday morning, December 13th, the seventh day of Chanukah, Governor Larry Hogan and the First Lady, opened their home to their friends in the Jewish community. Following the tradition started by Governor Bob Ehrlich and continued by Governor Martin O’Malley, the annual Chanukah brunch at the home of the Governor has become a fixture in Maryland.

As always, the brunch gathered together a large cross-section of Jewish communal leaders who came to celebrate Chanukah and to express their good wishes of continued good health to Governor Larry Hogan. For many, it was their first opportunity to see and interact with the Governor since he began his fight against cancer back in June. Since then he has been in the thoughts and prayers of the citizens of Maryland, and especially those in the Jewish community. His announcement last month that he is “cancer free” was welcomed with joy and relief by all. At the event, Governor Hogan warmly acknowledged his doctors for the wonderful care they have given him throughout this ordeal and called upon them to light one of the Chanukah candles during the ceremonial Menorah lighting during the program.