AUGUSTA — Rabbi Moshe Wilansky lit a menorah at the State House Monday to celebrate Hanukkah, saying as the eight-day holiday continues, the light grows brighter.

“Let this light penetrate the deepest darkness, even the most challenging places, let us bring strength and unity to those in need,” he said. “Today I ask each one of you to take this light into your hearts.”

Wilansky, director of Chabad Maine, also took a moment to honor the life for former President Jimmy Carter who died Sunday at the age of 100.

“He was the first president of the United States to light a menorah in the capital in Washington DC,” he said. “Fifty years later we are still lighting menorahs in the capital.”

Wilansky led children in the singing of traditional songs, including “Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel” and offered latkes and other snacks to celebrate the holiday, also known as the Festival of Lights.

Although Gov. Janet Mills did not attend the State House ceremony in person, she sent a message saying she will stand up for Jews in the face of continuing harassment and fear. She said a menorah will shine in the governor’s official residence, the Blaine House, as long as she is governor.

“Today I say to you I don’t ever want you to feel the need to hide who you are or to be careful about what you say and to whom because you are Jewish or to feel you have to take extraordinary precautions to keep yourself and your family safe simply because of your religion,” she wrote.

Wilansky expressed hope for the people of Israel as they continue fighting in Gaza and for the hostages who have been taken as part of the war.

“May the light of Hanukkah inspire us to shine brighter, stand taller and never lose faith, always good over evil,” Wilansky said.