The Rebbe’s Shluchim from across Kentucky gathered Tuesday at the Kentucky State Capitol to commemorate the 28th of Sivan, the anniversary of the arrival of the Rebbe and Rebbetzin to the United States after their escape from Nazi-occupied Europe. The gathering celebrated the Rebbe’s transformative impact on American Jewish life and the continued growth of Jewish life throughout the Commonwealth.

As part of the celebration, Kentucky’s Jewish community presented Governor Andy Beshear with the Abraham Lincoln Jewish Community Ally Award, recognizing his steadfast friendship with the Jewish community, his leadership in combating antisemitism, and his unwavering commitment to religious liberty.

Shliach Rabbi Shlomo Litvin, Chairman of the Kentucky Jewish Council, noted that the 28th of Sivan represents one of the defining moments in modern Jewish history.

“The Rebbe often remarked that America is different. His arrival on these shores marked the beginning of an unprecedented renaissance of Jewish life, transforming a country where Judaism had too often been viewed as something to hide into one where it could be lived proudly and publicly.”

The program brought together Jewish leaders, elected officials, clergy, and community representatives from across Kentucky, celebrating both the Commonwealth’s vibrant Jewish heritage and the enduring values of faith, freedom, and public service.