The National Chanukah Menorah will be illuminated during a special ceremony on The Ellipse Thursday evening, December 7th, at 4:00 pm ET, the first night of Chanukah, 2023.
Thousands of people are expected to attend this 45th lighting of the Menorah, sponsored by American Friends of Lubavitch (Chabad). The annual event will take place on The Ellipse, just south of the White House and north of Constitution Ave., NW, and the National Mall, and is both free and open to press with coverage invited.
Notable dignitaries including the President, Vice-President, Cabinet secretaries, Members of Congress, ambassadors, diplomats and Jewish communal leaders have attended and participated in past celebrations.
This year, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff will attend and participate. Emhoff participated in the National Menorah ceremony in 2021, since then he has had a rising role in the Jewish community. Emhoff has taken a leading role in President Biden’s efforts to confronting and battling antisemitism.
Tickets for the general public are required for admission, are readily available online at www.NationalMenorah.org, and are free of charge. Following the ceremony, those in attendance will be treated to hot traditional Chanukah latkes (potato pancakes) and donuts.
Complimentary personal menorah kits and dreidels will also be distributed. A special performance by “The President’s Own” United States Army Band will enhance the program beginning at 3:30 PM and will accompany The Three Cantors (Musical Director Maestro Avremie Gourarie), who will present special Chanukah selections.
Social Media super-influencer Montana Tucker will address the event. Dreidelman and The Maccabees will also appear. National Menorah Essay Contest Winners to be announced.
