Photo courtesy Gov. Rauner.

Gov. Bruce Rauner and First Lady Diana Rauner hosted their second annual model Passover Seder at the State Mansion in Springfield on Tuesday. The abbreviated service was led by Rabbi Avraham Kagan of Lubavitch Chabad in Illinois and featured substantial group participation, including funny and poignant reminiscences of past Seders.

( View photos and watch news coverage of the Seder.)

Dozens of Jewish community leaders throughout the state were in attendance, including rabbis and Jewish Federation officials. Current JUF Board members Morrie Silverman and Lori Komisar, and Keith and Marci Shapiro, as well as past JUF Board members Diane and Andy Lappin and Kelly and Jeff Brincat, served on the host committee; other JUF leaders in attendance were JUF Board members Sara Crown Star, David Golder, Andy Hochberg and Sandy Perl, as well JUF’s State Government Affairs Chairman Steve Greenbaum and State Government Affairs Director Suzanne Strassberger. Also in attendance were Consul General from Israel to the Midwest Roey Gilad and his wife, Nitza, State Sen. Julie Morrison and State Rep. Scott Drury.

Senior, Jewish members of the governor’s staff also participated: Chief Operating Officer (and former Governor of Hawaii) Linda Lingle and Deputy Chief of Staff for Legislative Affairs and Strategic Initiatives (and Ida Crown Jewish Academy alumnus) Richard Goldberg.

JUF Executive Vice President Jay Tcath, said, “it’s an important, short reprieve from the urgent business of state government to share, with the governor and Diana, something as enjoyable and meaningful as a model Seder. Their re-instituting this tradition, following a seven-year hiatus, provides an opportunity, in an informal setting, to re-connect with ‘old’ acquaintances and make new friends.

“Of course, having made the schlep to Springfield, several JUF leaders and I took advantage of being in the state capital to have ‘real business’ discussions with legislative and executive branch leaders on issues ranging from the impact on human services of the budget impasse, delayed payments and flat rate reimbursements, as well as the implementation of the state’s historic anti-BDS legislation.”