US President Donald Trump strode onto the stage at the annual White House Chanukah Reception with a particular air of confidence on Thursday night.
“Well, I know for a fact there are a lot of happy people in this room,” he told the gathered crowd of 300 guests.
He then paused for effect — and applause — before saying what was everyone’s mind: “Jerusalem.”
This year’s party came one day after Trump announced that the US will formally recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and has directed the State Department to begin planning the move of the US embassy there from Tel Aviv.
The Menorah was lit by President Trump’s grandchildren Arabella and Joseph Kushner, whom Trump proudly noted, are Jewish and observe the holiday each year at home. President Trump’s daughter Ivanka Kushner and son-in-law Jared Kushner were seen reciting the “Shehecheyanu” blessing.
Also onstage with Trump was his wife Melania, Vice President Mike Pence, and his wife Karen Pence.
While the response to Trump’s decision on Jerusalem has elicited a mixed reaction from the American Jewish community — including outrage from its liberal quarters — those in attendance Thursday evening were overjoyed, the Times of Israel reported.
Speakers included Holocaust survivor Louise Lawrence-Israels and Rabbi Meir Soloveichik of Congregation Shearith Israel in New York who thanked Trump for “recognizing what we’ve all always known to be true.”
Mr. Trump, who prizes loyalty and seldom forgets a slight, left Democratic members of Congress off his Chanukah list this year, according to congressional aides tracking the invites, the New York Times reported. He also did not invite Reform Jewish leaders who have been critical of him or progressive Jewish activists who have differed with him publicly on policy issues.
As in previous years, the evening served a glatt kosher meal under the strict rabbinical supervision of Rabbi Levi Shemtov of the Lubavitch Center of Washington DC (Chabad) in cooperation with the Rabbinical Council of Greater Washington.
VIDEO:
The miracle is that the shluchim didn’t even have to be present. The real sign that Moshiach is here is that we become redundant. Now, the Rebbe MHM put it all on our shoulders and we have to be out there bringing in goodness and spreading yiddishkeit. But when Moshiach comes it is every other jew that will realize what the task is. Trump announced Jerusalem is the capital. Moshiach is here. just need to open eyes. Shluchim are now not on the front lines as was promised. because every jew is taking on the shlichus fun rebbin!!! This is… Read more »
I think Rabbi Shemtov was in the kitchen taking care of the kashrus.
Yasher Koach Rabbi Shemtov for supervising the food!
He stuck to the script so it was well said and he kept his real ideas at Bay
Meir, regards to your wonderful family from your chicago neighbor on Sacramento Street
President Trump speaks so well, without notes, never stops to impress me, Go President Trump !!! Thank G-d for President Trump
My honest feeling that any. Special occasion like this one at t the W/Hse. . Held with genuine love and sincerity as clearly as the video shows can only bea wonderful Blessing for Israel and the USA. There is absolutely no ulterior motive. This Pres is a tough hard clever politician but as u can see also very human and caring also. Don’t mess with this man. .thsts how I see him from back here in our country RSA. This is strictly my own non prejudice personal observation. Thank you
Your wrong #13, Nicky Haley clearly said in an interview it was a decision made only by the US and it has nothing to do with the peace process or as a bargaining chip on israels shoulder
Where is Rabbi Shemtov?
Trump is great!!!!!
wow thank you so much for sharing and President Trump G-D bless you LChaim
woulda been nice if the ingele wore a yarmulka … oh well …
I’m afraid that with the presidents announcement re Yerusholaim, he’s brought the concept of a divided Jerusalem closer to reality, Chas V’sholom.
America and the rest of the world will now demand that there be a “giveback” and allow for a palestinian capital in east Jerusalem as well, Chas V’sholom.
Israel, stay strong and don’t play into the deceptive Trump ploy!
The first time the lighting was done right. No Brocha…. just symbolic lighting
50 years ago, a Shliach would try to spread the Neis of Chanukah to a few yidden here or there – Today, the President of the United States of America is standing and telling the story of Chanukah!!! Has the world gotten closer to Moshiach? Ill let you decide…
IS AMAZING
Someone told me that his other children married Jewish women, although not practicing. Is this true?
We’re any shluchim there?
President Trump hosted a Yud Tes Kislev Seuda in the White House
the rebbe would say the exact opposite
so happy with Trump and family
It is not yet Chanoeka,why lite a menora then?
מזל טוב to Trump the Rebbe MHM’S SHLIACH PAR EXCELLANCE👍👍👍👍👍👍👌👌👌
To #1: Lol
Next year, the Shliach to the white house should light it!
Rabbi soloveichik is an alumnus of Cheder lubavitch in Chicago