5773 National Menorah Lighting

By COLlive reporter
Photos: Baruch Ezagui

Thousands attended the National Menorah lighting on the Ellipse of the White House, which has become the central and most viewed annual Chanukah event in the United States.

Sponsored by American Friends of Lubavitch, the ceremony in in Washington, DC is traditionally attended by elected officials, ambassadors, city officials, families and tourists.

Honored with lighting the large gold candelabra, a role typically given to a prominent Jewish politician, was Jeffrey Zients, acting director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, the Washington Post reported.

The event featured the United states Navy Band playing known Chanukah songs and chassidic melodies. They were accompanied by 3 cantors Jeff Nadel, Yaakov Motzen and Yaakov Lemmer.

Rabbi Levi Shemtov, Chabad Shliach in Washington DC and Vice President of American Friends of Lubavitch, was the emcee and organizer.

Winner of the 5773 National Chanukah Essay contest Rivka Goldenberg of Lawrenceville, New Jersey, read her poem.

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