On the second night of Chanukah a group of Jewish Leaders gathered at the residence of the NJ Governor for a Chanukah Reception hosted by Governor Chris Christie and First Lady Mary Pat Christie.

The invited guests were ushered into the reception room for a personal photo opportunity with the States First Couple, followed by remarks from the Governor and a Menorah Lighting Ceremony.

The Governor remarked that although this was the first “Governors Chanukah Party” at the Residence it will certainly not be the last.

Governor Christie lit the Shamos Candle followed by Rabbi Yosef Carlebach of Chabad of Central NJ reciting the blessings in hebrew.

Rabbi Aaron Kotler – CEO of Beis Medrash Gavoah translated the blessings to english and Rabbi Raphael Zucker sang the Maoz Tzur.

One of the highlights of the evening was prior to lighting the Menorah Rabbi Carlebach placed a Yarmulkah on Governor Christie’s head and proclaimed the Governor an “honorary Chanukah Jew”.

YWN PHOTO LINK: Click HERE for photos.

(YWN Desk – NYC)