Hanukkah Is A Symbol Of Hope For 2020, Says RI Governor

PROVIDENCE, RI — Thursday marks the first night of Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of light usually marked by family gatherings. This year, with the coronavirus pandemic raging the worst it has been so far in the pandemic, Gov. Gina Raimondo implored Rhode Islanders to celebrate only with members of their immediate household this year.

Because the social gathering limit is still single households, and will remain so until the end of the year, Raimondo said all Rhode Islanders should plan to keep their holiday celebrations to members of the household this year and avoid travel. This includes Christmas, she said.

"I’m sorry you can’t gather in person the way you want to do," Raimondo said. "I’m asking you to celebrate with your household and virtually if you can. … Next year will be different and this year I am asking you to celebrate safely and creatively."

Although things look bleak for the state right now, the story of Hanukkah should serve as a reminder of better things to come, Raimondo.

"2020 has been a dark year. It has been the hardest year of your life for a lot of people ... I know the people of Rhode Island are strong and resilient and I know the light at the end of the tunnel is quite close now," she said, encouraging everyone to find their own "light in the darkness" this holiday season.

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