Events 2009)
Czech Menorah Lit at the White House
President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama watch as a child lights the Hanukkah candles at a reception in the the White House, Dec. 16, 2009 Official White House Photo by Samantha Appleton
December 16 — Candles of a silver menorah on loan from the Jewish Museum in Prague were lit on December 16 in the White House Grand Foyer as part of Hanukkah celebration that includes traditional music and Maa'riv (evening) prayers. The Hanukkah ceremony is one of a series of White House events that also celebrate the rich traditions of Islam's and Christianity's major holidays.
At the request of Mrs. Obama, Prague's Jewish Museum sent its Gothic Revival Hanukkah menorah, originally from Prostějov, to the White House. The U.S. Embassy facilitated the transport to and from the White House.
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