Drudge Makes Fun of Obama White House Chanukah Party: “Two Weeks Early, Lights All the Candles”

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obama-chanukah1Haaretz reports: The annual Hanukkah reception timeline at the White House does not change much each year. Usually, there is some unique Menorah, brought especially for the festive occasion (this time, a Menorah made in a displaced persons’ camp after World War II, was lent by The Jewish Museum in New York), a mix of Jewish lawmakers, officials, rabbis, activists and donors, president’s remarks, music and good food.

But each year, there seem to be more and more smartphones, with guests barely looking at the President wishing them happy holiday. Instead, everyone is busy taking photos or videos of him.

This year, in a hall traditionally decorated with the Christmas tree (and a Menorah on the podium), President Obama, accompanied by the First Lady, Vice President Joe Biden and his wife Dr. Jill Biden, greeted about 550 guests. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was also present, along with the new White House Director of Jewish Outreach, Jarrod Bernstein, the Israeli Ambassador Michael Oren, AIPAC’s Howard Kohr and Lee Rosenberg, Conference of Presidents’ Malcolm Hoenlein, NJDC’s David Harris, the Orthodox Union’s Natan Diament and many others.

The Hanukkah reception came about a week earlier than the Holiday itself, which the President readily acknowledged, “We’re jumping the gun just a little bit. The way I see it, we’re just extending the holiday spirit. We’re stretching it out. But we do have to be careful that your kids don’t start thinking Hanukkah lasts 20 nights instead of eight. That will cause some problems…..

So while it is not yet Hanukkah, let’s give thanks for our blessings, for being together to celebrate this wonderful holiday season. And we never need an excuse for a good party.”

“This year,” Obama said, “We have to recognize the miracles in our own lives. Let’s honor the sacrifices our ancestors made so that we might be here today. Let’s think about those who are spending this holiday far away from home – including members of our military who guard our freedom around the world. Let’s extend a hand to those who are in need, and allow the value of tikkun olam to guide our work this holiday season. This is also a time to be grateful for our friendships, both with each other and between our nations. And that includes, of course, our unshakeable support and commitment to the security of the nation of Israel,” he concluded to applause.

The West Point Jewish Chapel Choir performed for the audience, the food (including Sushi Rolls, Caramelized Pearl Onions, Shitake Mushrooms, Pine Nut Herb Crusted Lamb Chops and Homemade Sufganyot) was kosher under “strict rabbinical supervision of Rabbi Levi Shemtov, Lubavitch Center of Washington (Chabad),” as the White House put it.

When the guests line for a picture with the President (or the kosher raspberry jelly), one can forget – for a while – about political tensions and the 2012 elections.

{Haaretz/Matzav.com Newscenter}


14 COMMENTS

  1. Once during the Carter administration, Carter was invited by Chabad to light the Menorah on the white house lawn. Due to Carter’s depression over the hostage crisis, it was the first time in several months that he left the white house to attend the lighting. Rabbi Shemtov honored Carter with lighting the shamash, whereby Carter asked if he could light all 8 lights (it wasn’t the last night). Rabbi Shemtov obliged. When the Rebbe heard about it he vocalized his displeasure and though i don’t remember the words the Rebbe used, the Rebbe said he though Shemtov would have more Jewish Pride to inform Carter that it’s not how it’s done…

  2. @cc
    I’m not sure if you’re sarcastic or not… but usually this phrase “tikun olam” is used by those “enlightened” jews who have a problem with all other Jewish morals and values.

  3. The question -bootom line- is;

    Will the oil from this party be enough to last until November 2012 to have him re-elected?

    WE CAN DO RATHER WELL WITHOUT SUCH A MIRACLE.

    (The party is more reminiscent of the SEUDAH OF KING ACHASVEYROSH).

  4. Obama hates Israel & Jews (his rebbe, jeremia wright)! He couldn’t care less about Chanuka or any other Jewish costum!

  5. Gut voch holy brothers, this is mamesh such a complete NON-issue.

    “he lit ALL the candles” – like OH EM GEE!!!
    so what you prefer he do light one? it’s not the first night of chanuka, and even if it was he couldnt be yotzei the mitzva- beyond silly .

    The whole thing is symbolic, and that symbolism is just fine 2 weeks early.

    “cc” sure we can learn from all people, but woe is to us (read:YOU) that this is your moreh derech, and your source for musssar and hashkafa. and how DARE you mussar out fellow yidden from the speech of someone who is not

  6. To cc: re tikun olam – in Aleinu it’s Hashem’s who’s being mesaken the world. Check out Rav Hirsch on “la’asos” in Breishis.

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