President Hosts White House Hanukkah Reception

On Monday evening, President Biden hosted a Hanukkah reception in the East Room of the White House. AP reports on the reception. The President spoke for ten minutes at the reception (full text of remarks), focusing in large part on the ongoing battle between Israel and Hamas. He said in part:

Most of you know someone directly or indirectly — a family, a friend — that was stolen from you or wounded, traumatized, or called up in the reserves in this last attack in Israel.

As I said after the attack, my commitment to the safety of the Jewish people, the security of Israel, and its right to exist ... as an independent Jewish state is ... just unshakeable.

Folks, were there no Israel, there wouldn’t be a Jew in the world who was safe....

And I make no bones about it.  I’ve had my differences with some Israeli leadership.  I’ve known Bibi for now 51 years.  He has a picture on his desk of he and I when he was a young member of the Israeli ... foreign service, and I was a 32-year-old senator.  And I wrote on the top of it, “Bibi, I love you, but I don’t agree with a damn thing you have to say.”  (Laughter.)

Menorah Lighting Triggers Debate Over Secularism In France

The Forward (Dec. 11) reports that a new controversy over the meaning of secularism is raging since last week in France:

The scene of the figurative bonfire was, remarkably, the official home of the president, the Elysée Palace.... [Emmanuel] Macron was awarded the Lord Jacobovits Prize, an award ... to honor individuals who have distinguished themselves in the combat against antisemitism and the defense of the freedom to practice the Jewish faith.

Thursday also happened to be the first night of Hanukkah.... Haim Korsia, the chief rabbi of France, decided to mark the holiday. While Macron, hands clasped in front, stood to one side, Korsia lit both the shamash and first candle while intoning the blessings. Macron also lit a candle, though not for festival of light but instead for the memory of the millions who died in the Shoah.

... [L]ater that evening, Mendel Samama, one of the rabbis who attended the ceremony, released a video of the lighting, which he hailed as “Historique!”

... For the first time since 1905 and the promulgation of the law separating the French state and church — one that affirmed the strict neutrality of the former in religions affairs and relegated the latter to the private sphere — a religious ceremony was held inside the presidential palace. As a result, what was kept alive on that first night was not the miracle of the Jewish holiday, but the meaning of French laicity. The event was, as one commentator declared, “without precedent.”

Almost immediately, the festival of lights was overtaken by critics lighting into Macron for desecrating the secular purity of the French republic.

President Speaks at White House Hanukkah Reception

On Monday, President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden hosted a Hanukkah Holiday Reception at the White House. The White House released a transcript of remarks at the reception by the Bidens and by Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker who last January was held as a hostage by a gunman in his Temple in Colleyville, Texas. President Biden said in part:

Tonight, we’re honored to mark another new tradition we’re establishing tonight. And that is the lighting of what will be the first-ever permanent White House menorah. (Applause.) It will also be the first Jewish artifact in the entire White House collection. (Applause.)...

This year’s Hanukkah ... arrives in the midst of rising emboldenment of antisemitism at home and, quite frankly, around the world.

I recognize your fear, your hurt, your worry that this vile and venom is becoming too normal.

As your President, I want to make this clear — as my dad would say, and many of you have said: Silence is complicity. We must not remain silent. (Applause.)

And I made no bones about it from the very beginning: I will not be silent. America will not be silent. (Applause.) I mean it....

Like this White House menorah, our commitment to the safety of the Jewish people and to the vibrancy of Jewish life that’s tightly woven into every fabric of America, it’s permanent. Permanent.

The menorah was made from historic wood beams rescued during a White House renovation by President Truman.

Mom Loses Attempt To Display Menorah At PTA Tree Lighting Ceremony

In Lyons v. Carmel Unified School District, (ND CA, Dec. 10, 2021), a California federal district court denied a temporary restraining order sought to allow the mother of Jewish children in a public school to display a 6-foot inflatable menorah at the PTA's tree lighting ceremony. The school was only willing to permit plaintiff to bring a small menorah to hang as a tree decoration. Rejecting plaintiff's Establishment Clause claim, the court said in part:

Plaintiffs contend that the event advances Christian religions over other religious ... by allowing display of Christian holiday symbols – the tree and ornaments – but banning display of non-Christian holiday symbols such as a menorah....  

Defendants argue that they have not referred to the tree lighting event as involving a “Christmas” tree. Even assuming that the event is viewed as involving the decoration and display of a Christmas tree, however, that would not implicate the Establishment Clause. The Supreme Court has held that “[t]he Christmas tree, unlike the menorah, is not itself a religious symbol.” Cty. of Allegheny v. Am. C.L. Union Greater Pittsburgh Chapter, 492 U.S. 573, 616 (1989)....

The court also rejected plaintiff's free speech claim because the school offered plaintiff the opportunity to reserve School grounds for her own event where she could display the menorah.

School District Sued For Favoring Christian Cultural and Speech Activities

Suit was filed this week in a California federal district court alleging that a California school district has given preference to Christian cultural and speech activities over those of other religions, including Judaism. The complaint (full text) in Lyons v. Carmel Unified School District, (ND CA, filed 12/7/2021), particularly focuses on the refusal by Carmel River School to allow the display of an inflatable menorah at a widely-promoted after-school holiday celebration which will include the decoration and lighting of a Christmas tree and Christmas-themed holiday songs. The complaint alleges that the school has violated the Establishment and Free Exercise Clauses as well as free speech and equal protection provisions. Courthouse News Service reports on the lawsuit.

White House Hosts Hanukkah Celebration

CNN Reports on yesterday's Hanukkah celebration at the White House, saying in part:

The first and second families held a menorah lighting ceremony to celebrate Hanukkah at the White House on Wednesday evening, marking the first time the holiday has been celebrated at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue with the Jewish spouse of a president or vice president.

"This is a White House tradition, but for the first time in history it is a family tradition," President Joe Biden said during the event in the East Room. He said the White House was honored to have second gentleman Doug Emhoff, who is Jewish, leading the lighting.

Here is a video of the 30 minute ceremony, via PBS.  The Forward has background on Hanukkah celebrations at the White House.

President Biden Issues Hanukkah Message

President Biden issued a statement (full text) today wishing everyone a Happy Hanukah, and saying in part:

At its core, Hanukkah recounts a story at the heart of the human spirit – one that is inherently Jewish and undeniably American. It commemorates how even the most fragile flame can sustain a tradition and nourish the soul of a people. It teaches us that even a little bit of light, wherever it is found, can dispel the darkness and illuminate a path forward. And it reminds us that whether it is the Holy Temple in Jerusalem or the temple of our democracy, nothing broken or profaned is beyond repair.

President Trump Issues Hanukkah Greetings

On Sunday, President Trump issued a Hanukkah message (full text) sending greetings from himself and Melania.  He said in part:

Today, the relationship between the United States and Israel, one of our most cherished allies and friends, is stronger than ever.  We will continue to stand with the Jewish people in defending the God-given right to worship freely and openly.

Trump Signs Executive Order On Title VI and Anti-Semitism

President Trump yesterday issued an Executive Order on Combating Anti-Semitism. The Order reads in part:

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), 42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq., prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, and national origin in programs and activities receiving Federal financial assistance.  While Title VI does not cover discrimination based on religion, individuals who face discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin do not lose protection under Title VI for also being a member of a group that shares common religious practices.  Discrimination against Jews may give rise to a Title VI violation when the discrimination is based on an individual’s race, color, or national origin.

It shall be the policy of the executive branch to enforce Title VI against prohibited forms of discrimination rooted in anti-Semitism as vigorously as against all other forms of discrimination prohibited by Title VI....

The Executive Order goes on to provide that in enforcing Title VI, executive departments shall consider the definition of anti Semitism adopted ... by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, and "the 'Contemporary Examples of Anti-Semitism' identified by the IHRA, to the extent that any examples might be useful as evidence of discriminatory intent."

The White House issued a Fact Sheet on the Order which, as reported by AP, was signed during a White House Hanukkah reception.

Citizen Lacks Standing To Challenge City's Annual Menorah Lighting

In Taylor v. City of Flagstaff, (D AZ, Oct. 9, 2019), an Arizona federal district court held that a citizen of Flagstaff, Arizona lacked standing to challenge the constitutionality of the city's annual Grand Menorah Lighting at City Hall.  The court said in part:

Although Plaintiff is a resident of Flagstaff..., Plaintiff did not allege that he has had direct contact with the Grand Menorah Lighting at City Hall, or any other religious ceremony purportedly held in City Hall. According to the Complaint, Plaintiff’s contact with the Grand Menorah Lighting at City Hall has, at most, been via newspaper articles reporting the “Flagstaff Hanukkah tradition.”.... While Plaintiff alleges that he has been “quite concerned” and “very disturbed” by the Grand Menorah Lighting at City Hall, ... —without more, the injury asserted by Plaintiff is too generalized and remote to confer standing....

The court concluded that the same test for standing applies to both plaintiff's Establishment Clause claim and his claim under the no-aid provision of the state constitution.

President Trump's Hanukkah Message

Yesterday the White House issued a Presidential Message on Hanukkah which in part connects the holiday that began yesterday evening with recent events;

For eight nights, Jewish families and friends will come together to engage in the lighting of the menorah.  This special tradition started more than 2,000 years ago during the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, which followed a trying period when Jews were persecuted for practicing their faith.

Unfortunately, Jews today continue to face many different forms of violence, hatred, and bigotry around the globe.  We remember all those from the Tree of Life—Or L’Simcha Congregation—whose lives were tragically taken in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, this past October.  As one Nation, we pledge our continued love and support for the victims, their families, and the community, and we pray that the victims’ families find some measure of peace and comfort during this holiday season.

President Hosts Hanukkah Reception At White House

Yesterday evening President Trump and the First Lady hosted a Hanukkah party in the East Room of the White House. In his remarks (full text), the President said in part:

The miracle of Hanukkah is the miracle of Israel. The descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob have endured unthinkable persecution and oppression.

But no force has ever crushed your spirit, and no evil has ever extinguished your faith. And that is why the Jewish people shine as a light to all nations. And right now I’m thinking about what’s going on and the love that's all over Israel and all about Jerusalem. (Applause.)

On behalf of all Americans, I also want to say how grateful I am for Jewish congregations throughout our country. You cherish your families, support your communities, and uplift our beloved country.

Photos from the reception are posted on the President's Instagram account.

National Menorah Lighting Ceremony, With More Tension Than Usual

As reported by WTOP, yesterday in Washington, on the Ellipse near the White House, American Friends of Lubavitch sponsored the lighting of the National Menorah.  According to the Washington Examiner, the ceremony was more tense than usual. Representing the Obama Administration, Acting Treasury Undersecretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Adam Szubin helped light the Menorah after remarks concluding with a hope "that our lights steadily increase, until the world is illuminated by a continual and unwavering light." But Rabbi Levi Shemtov representing the event sponsors used the theme of light to criticize the Obama Administration for its decision last week not to veto a U.N. Security Council resolution sharply criticizing Israel's settlement policies.  Shemtov said:

... [S]ome of us are so sad at what happened there with regard to Israel. We must remember that the way to counter any darkness, any disappointment is not with harsh rhetoric, not with anger, but when we create light, the darkness dissipates.

Meanwhile, the Smithsonian's SmartNews last week carried an interesting account of how the tradition of a national menorah began in 1979 when Abraham Shemtov pressed the idea:

... [T]he secretary of the interior initially denied him a permit to put a menorah on government property, on the grounds that it would violate the First Amendment.... What happened next was a classic piece of Washington insider work. Shemtov ... "called his friend Stu Eizenstat, an adviser to President Jimmy Carter.  Eizenstat gave the secretary a choice: Either approve the permit or deny the National Christmas Tree’s permit too. If he disobeyed, Eizenstat would take the matter straight to Carter, who would side with Eizenstat—a major embarrassment for the secretary."  Shemtov got the permit, and a tradition was born.

President Hosts Hanukkah Receptions

President Obama yesterday hosted an afternoon and an evening Hanukkah Reception at the White House. In his remarks (full text) at the afternoon reception, he paid tribute to Elie Wiesel who died this year and called on Wiesel's granddaughter to light a Hanukkah menorah.  The evening reception (video of reception remarks) was attended by a number of government officials and the menorah was lit by family members of the late Israeli president Shimon Peres.

UPDATE: Here is the full text of the President's remarks at the evening reception.

Azerbaijan and Jewish Groups Will Hold (Competing?) Hanukkah Party At Trump's Hotel

For a number of years, the White House has hosted an annual Hanukkah party.  Yesterday's Jerusalem Post reports that this year there will apparently be competition to President Obama's scheduled Dec. 14 event.  The nation of Azerbaijan, which has developed increasing ties with Israel, has booked space for Dec. 14 at the Trump International Hotel in Washington, D.C., not far from the White House for a Hanukkah Party that will be co-hosted by the Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organizations. Invitations for Azerbaijan's party say it will celebrate freedom and diversity. It is not clear from press reports whether the times of the two Hanukkah parties overlap. The Conference of Presidents is made up of over 50 Jewish organizations and represents the organized Jewish community to the Executive Branch.

Obama Hosts Two White House Hanukkah Receptions

President Obama yesterday hosted two Hanukkah receptions at the White House-- one at 4 pm and the other at 7:30 pm.  Press coverage has focused on the first at which, as reported by the Times of Israel, visiting Israeli President President Reuven Rivlin lit the Hanukkah candles.  Last month the White House asked the public to suggest special menorahs that might be used at this year's receptions, and yesterday it posted the stories of the two that were chosen plus several runners up.  A 15-minute video of remarks by Obama and Rivlin, as well as by Rabbi Susan Talve, at the first reception has been posted by the White House on YouTube.

White House Hosts Two Hanukkah Receptions [UPDATED POST]

President and Mrs. Obama hosted the first of two White House Hanukkah receptions late yesterday afternoon as again this year the guest list was too long for only a single reception.  In his remarks (full text), the President first discussed the freeing earlier in the day of Alan Gross who had been held by Cuba for over five years.  The traditional lighting of the menorah focused on two students and a parent from a bilingual school in Jerusalem that brings Jewish and Muslim students together. Their school was hit by arsonists two weeks ago. They built a menorah around the theme of their school's values and brought it to be used at the reception. Introducing them, President Obama said:

So Inbar and Mouran and their fellow students teach us a critical lesson for this time in our history:  The light of hope must outlast the fires of hate.

The White House posted a 10-minute video of the President's remarks and those of Rabbi  Bradley Shavit Artson who led the blessings in lighting the Hanukkah candles.

A few hours later the President hosted the second reception. (Full text of remarks.)  At this reception, a menorah from children in Yemin Orde, a village in Israel founded in 1953 to provide a safe haven to orphans and young immigrants after the Holocaust, was used.  The candles were lit by a Yemin Orde graduate, along with Dr. Adam Levine who recently returned from fighting ebola in Liberia. Manhattan Rabbi Angela Buchdahl recited the blessings.

White House Hosts Two Hanukkah Receptions As the Holiday Ends

As Hanukkah was ending yesterday late afternoon and evening, President Obama hosted two separate Hanukkah receptions at the White House. The White House has posted the full text of the President's remarks at the first of the receptions, many of which focused on the unusual overlap of Thanksgiving and Hanukkah. Navy lieutenant  Rabbi Amanda Lurer gave a rather tactful introduction to her lighting of the Hanukkah menorah-- a day later than the last candle was to be lit according to Jewish law. She said:

Hanukkah formally ends tonight as the sun goes down this evening.  But it will always be appropriate for us as we gather to remind ourselves and the world of the meaning of this holiday.

She also recited only two of the three traditional blessings over the Hanukkah candles, omitting the one praising God for commanding the lighting of Hanukkah candles-- since there is no commandment they be lit at the holiday's end.

UPATE: The White House has now posted the full text of the President's remarks to the second of the Hanukkah receptions. This one was attended by three Supreme Court justices, members of Congress, Israeli diplomats and others. The President's remarks were more substantive, weaving a defense of his Iran policy and a tribute to Nelson Mandela into a Hanukkah theme. At this reception, Hanukkah candles were lit by Rabbi Joshua Sherwin, a lieutenant in the United States Navy, who recited only one of the three blessings that are used during the holiday itself-- the shehecheyanu.

President Sends Hanukkah Greetings

Tonight is the beginning of the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah.  Today the White House issued a statement from President Obama (full text) sending warm wishes to all those celebrating the holiday.  The statement says in part:

For the first time since the late 1800s – and for the last time until some 70,000 years from now – the first day of Hanukkah falls on Thanksgiving.  It’s an event so rare some have even coined it "Thanksgivukkah."  As we gather with loved ones around the turkey, the menorah, or both, we celebrate some fortunate timing and give thanks for miracles both great and small. 

Like the Pilgrims, the Maccabees at the center of the Hanukkah story made tremendous sacrifices so they could practice their religion in peace.