By COLlive reporter
Wednesday December 9, President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle hosted the annual White House Chanukah Party, an event for which tickets are highly sought after. It is one of the few non-partisan event left in Washington DC.
Upon arrival, guests were serenaded by the Maccabeats, Yeshiva University’s A Cappella group, as well as Jewish superstar, Lipa Schmeltzer.
Video: Chanukah party at the White House, Lipa Schmeltzer and Maccabeats perform
Israeli President Reuven Rivlin, a guest of honor at this year’s Chanukah party, led the candle lighting ceremony. He reminded partygoers of the Maccabees’ struggle “for liberty, for freedom of religion, for our traditions, for their ability to celebrate their own identity.”
Whilst addressing his guests, President Obama expressed the inspirational messages of the Chanukah story: the weak prevailing against the strong, freedom over tyranny and light over darkness.
Representing Chabad at the event were Rabbi Abraham Shemtov – Chairman of Agudas Chassidei Chabad International and the Rebbe’s Shliach to the White House, Rabbi Levi Shemtov – Executive Vice President, American Friends of Lubavitch (Chabad); and Rabbi Yossi Brackman, Director of the Rohr Chabad Center at the University of Chicago & Hyde Park in Illinois.
The prestigious guest list included U.S. Ambassador Dan Shapiro, Republican Rep. Lee Zeldin, Israeli Ambassador Ron Dermer, Abe Foxman, Malcolm Hoenlein, John Ruskay, Sol Werdiger, Joseph Stamm, Ezra Friedlander, Rabbi David Zwiebel, Abba Cohen, Gil and Sari Cygler, White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough .
In attendance were Alan and Judy Gross. It was at last year’s Chanukah party that President Obama announced Alan Gross’ release by the Cuban government.
As in past year, the White House kitchen was koshered and a strictly kosher meal was served to guests under the supervision of Rabbi Levi Shemtov of the Lubavitch Center of Washington in cooperation with the Rabbinical Council of Greater Washington.
“It was an honor to be able to attend the White House Chanukah party this year,” said Ezra Friedlander CEO, The Friedlander Group. “What a privilege it is to not only live in a country that allows people the liberty of openly practicing their religion but celebrates their traditions alongside them. Having a Chanukah reception at the White House is a reminder to American Jewry that embracing our religion is in sync with being a good American.”
It’s great to see Rabbi Brackman at the White House! Great shluchim to U of C! May he and his rebbitzen be blessed with abundant blessings.
Can anyone make it out?
obama’s acting skills. looks like his smiles follow a script
Not embarrassed to light the menorah in the wrong direction & be generic in wishing ” happy holidays?”It was a Chanukah party not a seasonal party!
Great to see Detroit being represented.
The Israeli President lit the menorah in the wrong direction. Nebach.
How were maccabeats there if they were in the uk