Although members of Congress may be home for the holidays, Washington is simply hopping with tourists during the month of December.
Gina Gallucci White, who writes for USA Today’s “10 Best” column, may have helped matters when she named the National Menorah-Lighting Ceremony on the Ellipse in front of the White House as one of the top D.C. allures during the holiday season. It was listed as No. 3 on a prestigious list of recommended entertainment, educational and cultural sites that also include Ford’s Theatre, the National Zoo and George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens.
The ranking came as no surprise to Rabbi Levi Shemtov, executive vice president of the Washington-based American Friends of Lubavitch (Chabad), which sponsors the annual event.
“I don’t know if you can get a better spot in America for the menorah,” he says. “It’s literally the most visible Chanukah ceremony in the world. And anyone is welcome to attend.”
Gallucci White concurs, writing that it’s one of the best holiday attractions because “the lighting is one of the most prominent public Chanukah programs in the world,” drawing thousands of people to see the giant menorah lit via cherry-picker by different dignitaries every year (along with Shemtov and his father, Rabbi Abraham Shemtov, chairman of Agudas Chassidei Chabad—the umbrella organization for the worldwide Chabad-Lubavitch movement—and head Chabad emissary in Philadelphia).
The menorah spreads the message of light and religious freedom to the White House and beyond.
“America likes the fact that everyone can practice their faith equally. And for many people who are Jewish but not affiliated this is a good starting point,” says Shemtov.
The National Menorah Lighting started in 1979 as part of a campaign initiated in 1974 by the Lubavitcher Rebbe—Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory—to raise awareness of the holiday and hold public menorah lightings. It was attended in 1979, in the midst of the Iran hostage crisis, by President Jimmy Carter, who lit the shamash (the helper candle from which the others are kindled) and shared greetings with the assembled crowd.
Every president since has recognized Chanukah with a special menorah-lighting. In 1982, the menorah lit in Lafayette Park became publicly referred to as the “National Menorah” by President Ronald Reagan.
The name has stuck, and the annual event has since involved the participation of many senior administration officials and congressional leaders. Recent examples are Vice President Joe Biden (2014) and White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough (2015). Others include Jewish Cabinet members such as U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman (2013); Office of Management and Budget Chief Jeff Zients (2012); Treasury Secretary Jack Lew (2011 and 2010); and former Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel (2009).
This year’s ceremony takes place at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 25. Entertainment includes a performance by the National Menorah Orchestra and “The Three Cantors,” in addition to Grammy Award-winning violinist Miri Ben-Ari. Dreidels, menorahs, hot latkes and jelly doughnuts will be distributed to attendees, and appearances will be made by “Dreidelman” and “The Maccabees.”
Prior to the menorah-lighting, the Jewish rock group 8th Day will play at 3:15 p.m. Doors open at 3 p.m.
Free tickets are required and can be reserved in advance here.
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