Biden Lights White House Menorah to Mark Hanukkah

President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden celebrated the first night of Hanukkah on Wednesday by lighting the "White House Menorah," a symbol of Jewish resilience and American history. Crafted from wood taken from the White House foundation, the menorah was introduced by the Bidens in 2021.

“Two years ago, Jill and I introduced the first-ever White House Menorah made from historic wood sourced from the foundation,” President Biden shared on X (formerly Twitter). “As Hanukkah begins, it is displayed to make clear that the history of Jewish life is woven into the fabric of America. Like this menorah, it’s permanent.”

The menorah lighting comes after last week’s final Hanukkah celebration of Biden’s administration. Addressing the gathering, Biden reaffirmed his steadfast commitment to Israel, emphasizing, “My commitment to the safety of the Jewish people and the security of Israel and its right to exist as an independent nation-state remains ironclad.”

He also addressed the ongoing crisis in Gaza, pledging continued efforts to secure the release of hostages. “I’ve gotten over 100 hostages out. I will not stop until I get every single one of them out,” he declared.

Hanukkah, which translates to “dedication,” commemorates the Maccabean revolt of the 2nd century BCE and the rededication of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. Central to the holiday is the lighting of the menorah, inspired by the tradition of a small vial of oil lasting eight days instead of one a symbol of enduring faith and miracles.

This celebration of light serves as a poignant reminder of the shared values of perseverance and hope. Biden’s acknowledgment of Jewish heritage through such events highlights its deep integration into the fabric of American history.

Celebrate Hanukkah’s spirit of dedication and share this story to spread the light of unity and resilience. Subscribe to our newsletter for more stories about Jewish culture and heritage.