American Friends of Lubavitch presided over a larger turnout than last year for the lighting of the National Menorah on the Ellipse in front of the White House. (Emhoff spoke this year.) ...

In 1979, President Jimmy Carter was the first United States President to light a menorah in front of the White House during the initial lighting of the “National Menorah.” ...

The lighting of the so-called National Menorah on the ellipse in front of the White House was launched in 1979. It kicks off a week of parties in Washington, including at the White House and in ...

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Several hundred people gathered in D.C. on the night of Hanukkah for the annual National Menorah Lighting. Held on the Ellipse outside the White House, the event was organized ...

In 1979, President Jimmy Carter lit both the (electric) National Menorah and a candle on a smaller menorah in an outdoor ceremony. Credit: Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum/NARA ...

The contrast between the re-creation of the arch, which displayed the menorah as a symbol of Roman triumph over Judaism, and its later appropriation as a national Jewish symbol is stark.

Learn more about our Statue of Liberty Hanukkah menorah, made by Manfred Anson from a patriotic souvenir, on the National Museum of American History’s blog.