The White House Has Its First-Ever Hanukkah Menorah

For the first time in history, the White House has its very own Hanukkah menorah.

The menorah was built by White House carpenters, using wood that was removed during a Truman-era renovation of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. The menorah is currently positioned between portraits of President Jimmy Carter and President Lyndon Johnson:

"Each detail was carefully crafted by the White House carpenters with wood recovered from the foundation of the White House. Its beauty reminds us of the Hanukkah miracle and the joy it inspired. From this day forward, this menorah is a permanent piece of the People’s House," the White House tweeted. Per The Hill, "Once an item has been added to the collection, it’s considered a permanent fixture of the White House archives, and can’t be removed by a future administration or the executive mansion’s staff."

Menorahs have previously been lit at the White House—President Carter was the first president to light a menorah at the White House in 1979, and the first Hanukkah party took place during President George W. Bush's administration—but this is the first time a menorah will be part of the permanent collection of the White House.

"You know, when we light this menorah in the White House, when Jewish families place menorahs in their windows, we are proclaiming liberty," Biden said last year during a White House menorah lighting. "We’re exercising the freedom that the Maccabees sought to simply practice their faith. And we’re showing that there is still light, that even the most fragile flame can be sustained in a tradition and nourish the soul of a people."

Watch the menorah be lit on the first night of Hanukkah:

The White House will host its annual Hanukkah celebration this evening, on the second night of Hanukkah. President Joe Biden is expected to condemn rising antisemitism during his remarks.

You Might Also Like

• Oprah’s Favorite Things of 2022 Is Here—Gift These 20 Amazing Finds This Year

• 12 Weekend Getaway Spas For Every Type of Occasion

• 13 Beauty Tools to Up Your At-Home Facial Game