It was both a reunion and a celebration when Rahm Emanuel, Chicago’s first Jewish mayor, and 14-year-old Levi Yitzchok Benhiyoun together lit the first light at Chabad-Lubavitch of Downtown Chicago's annual menorah lighting ceremony.

Levi first met the mayor in 2009 when he won a national essay contest about the significance of Chanukah and spoke at the menorah lighting ceremony on the White House lawn, led by then Chief of Staff Emanuel.

30 foot tall and 18 foot wide menorah.

Rabbi Meir Chai Benhiyoun, director of Chabad-Lubavitch of Downtown Chicago, introduced Emanuel, who spoke about the importance and significance of freedom and faith, and its impact on the city. “While we have many different faiths, while we may come from different backgrounds, we share one story," said Emanuel.

The second and third candles of the 30-foot-tall and 18-foot-wide menorah were lit by Roey Gilad, Consul General of Israel to Chicago and the Midwest; and Rabbi Daniel Moscowitz, regional director of Lubavitch Chabad of Illinois. Also attending the ceremony were Chicago Alderman Michele Smith, Illinois State Senator Ira I. Silverstein, and his wife, Alderman Debra Silverstein.

The ceremony was held at the Daley Plaza, Chicago’s premier civic center and one of the city's architectural highlights. A large crowd gathered at the plaza for the ceremony, enjoying hot potato latkes and jelly doughnuts. After the menorah was lit, Emanuel joined in the festivities, handing out chocolate Chanukah gelt (chocolate coins) to the children.