The National Menorah: A Symbol of Hanukkah and Religious Freedom
The Tradition of the National Menorah
The tradition of the National Menorah began in 1979, when Orthodox Jewish leader Abraham Shemtov approached President Jimmy Carter with a request to place a menorah on the Ellipse, the park area between the White House and the Washington Monument. Shemtov believed that the nation’s capital should have a menorah to represent Hanukkah, just as it had a Christmas tree to represent Christmas.
Initially, the secretary of the interior denied Shemtov’s request, citing concerns about violating the First Amendment. However, Shemtov enlisted the help of Stu Eizenstat, an adviser to President Carter, who threatened to deny the permit for the National Christmas Tree if the menorah permit was not approved. The secretary relented, and the first National Menorah was lit that year, with President Carter participating in the ceremony.
The Growth of the National Menorah
In the early years, the National Menorah lighting ceremony was held in Lafayette Park, across the street from the White House. Only a few dozen people attended the first ceremony, but the event grew in popularity over the years. In 1982, President Ronald Reagan designated the menorah as the “National Menorah,” equating its lighting with the lighting of the National Christmas Tree. Five years later, the menorah was moved to its current location on the Ellipse.
Today, the National Menorah lighting ceremony is a major event, attended by thousands of people and watched by millions more on television and online. The ceremony is typically led by a prominent Jewish politician, and the menorah is lit for eight nights, one candle each night, to commemorate the eight nights of Hanukkah.
The Symbolism of the National Menorah
The National Menorah is more than just a symbol of Hanukkah. It is also a symbol of religious freedom and the importance of protecting the rights of all Americans to practice their faith. The menorah’s size and location are regulated by Jewish law, which states that it must be visible from a distance but not so high that people have to crane their necks to see it. This symbolizes the delicate balance between the need for religious expression and the need to respect the rights of others.
The Meaning of Hanukkah
Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the victory of the Maccabees over the Seleucid Empire in the 2nd century BCE. The Maccabees were a group of Jewish rebels who fought for the right to practice their religion freely. The menorah is a symbol of the Maccabees’ victory and the triumph of light over darkness.
The National Menorah Today
The National Menorah continues to be a powerful symbol of Hanukkah and religious freedom. It is a reminder of the importance of fighting for our rights and of the need to respect the rights of others. The menorah is a beacon of hope and inspiration for all Americans, regardless of their faith.