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Hanukkah Greetings, Party Plans From the White House

By Howard M. Friedman

The White House today released a statement (full text) from the President sending warmest wishes from him and Michelle to all who are celebrating Hanukkah. The statement says in part:

Hanukkah is not only a time to celebrate the faith and customs of the Jewish people, but for people of all faiths to celebrate the common aspirations we share.

The White House also released a Hebrew translation of the President's statement. Hanukkah begins at sundown today and is celebrated for eight days.

Meanwhile the New York Times yesterday reported on the kerfuffle surrounding plans for this year's White House Hanukkah party. Rumors began circulating, first in the Israeli press and then in the U.S., that President Obama had cut the number of invitees from the Bush administration's 800 down to 400. Apparently the reality is that the Bush White House invited 600 to its last Hanukkah party, while Obama is inviting 550. Eyebrows were also raised over the invitations sent out by the White House. They invited their recipients to "a holiday reception" on Dec. 16, without mentioning Hanukkah. Meanwhile, the Forward last week carried an interesting history of Hanukkah (or its absence) at the White House through various presidencies.

Full post as published by Religion Clause on December 11, 2009 (boomark / email).