National Hanukkah Menorah Lighting Ceremony on the Ellipse (Photos)

A record crowd attended the National Hanukkah Menorah lighting ceremony on the Ellipse, just across from the White House on the first night of the eight-day Jewish holiday. Candles were lit on Sunday, Dec. 6, by special guest, White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough. The “President’s Own” U.S. Marine Band and “The Three Cantors” performed a variety of Hanukkah and patriotic music and song, with a special appearance by Grammy Award-winning Israeli violinist Miri Ben-Ari—and, of course, Dreidelman. Rabbi Levi Shemtov, executive vice president of American Friends of Lubavitch (Chabad), served as master of ceremonies with remarks from Rabbi Abraham Shemtov, the organization’s national director. Leah Margolin and Chaya Citron read their award-winning essays. Potato latkes were served after the event, as a Hanukkah celebration would not be complete without them.

The National Menorah Lighting dates to 1979 when Jimmy Carter was president. Hanukkah celebrates the Jewish Maccabees’ military victory over Greek-Syrian oppression more than 2,000 years ago. A candle is lit each night of the eight-day celebration, commemorating the miracle of one day’s supply of oil lasting a full eight days in the lamp following the re-dedication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. This annual event is privately funded and sponsored by American Friends of Lubavitch (Chabad).

View our photos of the National Menorah Lighting by clicking on the photo icons below. (All photos by Jeff Malet)