President Obama's 2011 Hanukkah Greeting

"From our family to the Jewish Community around the world, Chag Sameach"...
Hanukkah begins tonight at sundown, and President Obama today sent out a holiday greeting on behalf of the First Family, offering "warmest wishes to all those celebrating Hanukkah around the world." Joined by First Lady Obama, the President hosted the annual White House Hanukkah reception in advance of the holiday, on Thursday, Dec. 8. The White House today released a new video, showing the kitchen being koshered for the reception, which had more than 550 guests. (Above: The President and Mrs. Obama at the reception)

President Obama's Hanukkah greeting:

"Michelle and I send our warmest wishes to all those celebrating Hanukkah around the world.

This Hanukkah season we remember the powerful story of a band of believers who rose up and freed their people, only to discover that the oil left in their desecrated temple – which should have been enough for only one night – ended up lasting for eight.

It’s a timeless story of right over might and faith over doubt – one that has given hope to Jewish people everywhere for over 2,000 years. And tonight, as families and friends come together to light the menorah, it is a story that reminds us to count our blessings, to honor the sacrifices of our ancestors, and to believe that through faith and determination, we can work together to build a brighter, better world for generations to come.

From our family to the Jewish Community around the world, Chag Sameach."

*Photo by AP/Pool

New Video: White House Kitchen Gets Koshered For 2011 Hanukkah Reception

How the White House serves holiday delights at "the highest level of Jewish observance"...
Hanukkah begins tonight at sundown, and President Obama today issued a holiday greeting to the global Jewish community, offering "warmest wishes" from the First Family, and wishing all "Chag Sameach."  The President hosted the annual White House Hanukkah reception on Thursday, Dec. 8th, and the kosher menu offered to more than 550 guests was very different from the menu served at all other Presidential holiday receptions. The White House kitchen had to be specially cleaned--koshered--for the event. Washington, DC's Rabbi Levi Shemtov was charged with overseeing the process, and in a new White House video, he explains how it was done, joined by Executive Chef Cris Comerford. (Above: The Rabbi in the kitchen, mid-koshering)

"For me, as an American Jew, it is a distinct honor to oversee the kosherizing of the most important kitchen in the country," the Rabbi says. "The guests...will have White House-level fare, but it will be at the highest level of kosher observance."

The Presidential Hanukkah menu featured lamb chops, Roulade of chicken breast, potato pancakes, smoked salmon, sushi rolls, and an array of sweet treats (full menu is below), in contrast to the ham, shrimp and other non-kosher menu items offered at the rest of the Presidential holiday receptions.

"All of our surfaces have been cleaned, and boiled, and wrapped in saran wrap and aluminum foil and...protected," says Comerford onscreen.



This year's Hanukkah reception was the largest of the Administration. The President was joined by Mrs. Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, and Dr. Jill Biden as he welcomed his guests. After, the President and Mrs. Obama decamped to the Diplomatic Reception Room to take photos with their visitors, while the party went on upstairs in the Grand Foyer, and the guests enjoyed the kosher buffet.

2011 Hanukkah Reception Menu

Roulade of Chicken Breast
Fresh Thyme Sauce
Arugula and Fresh Artichokes
Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Filet of Beef
Au Jus
Caramelized Pearl Onions
Shiitake Mushrooms

Pine Nut Herb Crusted Lamb Chops
Mango and Mission Fig Chutney

Homemade Potato with Scallion Pancakes
Apple Sauce

Dill and Vodka Scottish Smoked Salmon
Non-Pareil Capers
Chopped Egg Whites and Yolks
Parsley
Lemon Wedges

Assorted Fresh Sushi Rolls
California Roll
Spicy Tuna Roll
Vegetable Roll
Pickled Ginger
Wasabi

Winter Squash Salad

Assorted Rolls

Dessert Station
Homemade Soufganyot
Crème Anglaise
Raspberry Jelly
"An assortment of homemade desserts"

In the photo above, President Obama welcomes guests as Mrs. Obama and the Bidens look on.

*Photo by Pete Souza/White House

President Obama Hosts 2011 White House Hanukkah Reception - The Menu, The Guest List

President welcomes Jewish leaders to celebrate the festival of lights with a Kosher menu that includes sushi rolls...
President Obama confirmed his Administration's "unshakable commitment" to the security of Israel as he welcomed more than 550 guests, including Administration officials and Members of Congress, to a Hanukkah reception on Thursday evening. The party was already under way when the President, joined by First Lady Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, and Dr. Jill Biden, arrived at 6:10 PM. It featured a strictly Kosher menu and the U.S. Marine Chamber Orchestra performing "A Tribute to Jewish-American Composers."

"We never need an excuse for a good party," President Obama joked, as he admitted that the White House was "jumping the gun" for a holiday that begins on December 20th.

"We do have to be careful that your kids don’t start thinking Hanukkah lasts twenty nights instead of eight."

It was the largest Hanukkah reception the First Couple has hosted, and the final one before the 2012 election. Candidate Obama recieved 78% of the Jewish vote in 2008, according to exit polls. Mrs. Obama smiled and waved to guests in the crowd as her husband spoke. Her hair down, she was clad in a sleeveless dress in a shade of metallic blue that is featured on the flag of Israel, with multiple ropes of matching beads around here neck as a complement.

The guests, packed tightly into the Grand Foyer, held their cameras and cell phones aloft as they stood between lit Christmas trees and green garlands tied with shining ribbons. They'd also been entertained by the West Point Jewish Chapel Cadet Choir.

The guests...
His comment about supporting Israel was the President's only political remark; he spent the rest of his time at the podium smiling broadly. Guests included Members of Congress, top Administration officials, and Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg.

"We are thrilled to see her," President Obama said. "She's one of my favorites. I have a soft spot for her."

He also gave a shout out to Michael Oren, Israel's Ambassador to the US, and to Jarrod Bernstein, the newly minted Director of Jewish Outreach. See below for a list of invited Members of Congress.



The President briefly told the story of the battle of the Maccabees and the oil lamp.

"This Hanukkah season, we remember a story so powerful that we know it by heart...even us Gentiles," he said to laughter. "A story of right over might, faith over doubt, a story about a band of believers who rose up and freed their people."

President Obama said the Hanukkah story is a reminder that "miracles come in all sizes," and the holiday season is a time to "recognize the miracles in our own lives."

"This is also time to be grateful for our friendships, both with each other and between our nations, and that of course includes our unshakable support and commitment to the security of the nation of Israel," President Obama said, to applause.

After speaking, he left to meet with guests in the Map Room of the White House. The full transcript of his remarks.

A Kosher menu...with sushi rolls
The reception had a buffet of Jewish holiday specialties--as well as sushi rolls, which were also served last year. The kitchen was Koshered for the event, and the menu was prepared under the strict rabbinical supervision of Rabbi Levi Shemtov, Lubavitch Center of Washington (Chabad), in cooperation with the Rabbinical Council of Greater Washington, according to the White House. The Meat was Glatt Kosher - Chassidishe Shechitah. All baked goods were Pas Yisroel; all wines were Mevushal. The foods were prepared Lemihadrin with a Mashgiach Temidi.

2011 Hanukkah Reception Menu

Roulade of Chicken Breast
Fresh Thyme Sauce
Arugula and Fresh Artichokes
Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Filet of Beef
Au Jus
Caramelized Pearl Onions
Shiitake Mushrooms

Pine Nut Herb Crusted Lamb Chops
Mango and Mission Fig Chutney

Homemade Potato with Scallion Pancakes
Apple Sauce

Dill and Vodka Scottish Smoked Salmon
Non-Pareil Capers
Chopped Egg Whites and Yolks
Parsley
Lemon Wedges

Assorted Fresh Sushi Rolls
California Roll
Spicy Tuna Roll
Vegetable Roll
Pickled Ginger
Wasabi

Winter Squash Salad

Assorted Rolls

Dessert Station
Homemade Soufganyot
Crème Anglaise
Raspberry Jelly
"An assortment of homemade desserts"

Congressional guest list...
Members of Congress invited to intend included 8 Senators and 21 Representatives from the US House.

The Senate: Sens. Barbara Boxer; Dianne Feinstein; Frank Lautenberg; Carl Levin; Joe Lieberman; Bernie Sanders; Chuck Schumer.

US House: Reps. Shelley Berkley; Howard Berman; David Cicilline; Steve Cohen; Susan Davis; Ted Deutch; Eliot Engel; Bob Filner; Steve Israel; Sandy Levin; Nita Lowey; Jerrold Nadler; Jared Polis; Steve Rothman; Jan Schakowsky; Adam Schiff; Allyson Schwartz; Brad Sherman; Debbie Wasserman Schultz; Henry Waxman; and John Yarmuth.

The menorah...
The menorah for the reception was lent by The Jewish Museum, New York and is dedicated to General Joseph T. McNarney, who served as the Commander in Chief of United States Forces in the European Theatre from November 1945 to March 1947. It was created in a displaced persons’ camp after World War II, the White House said. (Above: A long view of the reception)

The President's Hanukkah receptions in 2009 and 2010 included candle lighting ceremonies, but there was no ceremony this evening, because the reception did not coincide with the actual dates of Hanukkah.

This year, the White House released a special collection of Passover recipes created by acclaimed American chefs, including Joan Nathan. Some of the recipes are perfect for Hanukkah celebrations, too. (Above: the President speaks with a guest after his remarks)

Check the sidebar for all White House recipes.

*Photos by AP/Pool; reverse view photo by Pete Souza/White House

Transcript & Video: President Obama's Remarks, 2011 Hanukkah Reception

President Obama welcomed more than 550 guests for the annual White House Hanukkah reception on Thursday evening. It was held in the Grand Foyer, and featured a fully Kosher menu. Full details are here.

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
_________________________________

For Immediate Release
December 8, 2011

REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
AT HANUKKAH RECEPTION

Grand Foyer

6:10 P.M. EST


THE PRESIDENT: Well, good evening, everybody. Welcome to the White House. Thank you all for joining us tonight to celebrate Hanukkah -- even if we're doing it a little bit early. (Laughter.)

I want to start by recognizing a few folks who are here. The ambassador to the United States from Israel, Michael Oren, is in the house. (Applause.)

We are honored to be joined by one of the justices of the Supreme Court, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is here. (Applause.) We are thrilled to see her. She's one of my favorites, I got to -- (laughter.) I've got a soft spot for Justice Ginsburg.

And we’ve got more than a few members of Congress here and members of my administration in the house, including our new Director of Jewish Outreach, Jarrod Bernstein is here. Where's Jarrod? (Applause.) Hey, Jarrod.

I also want to thank the West Point Jewish Chapel Cadet Choir –- (applause) -- the Voice of Tradition -– for their wonderful performance, but more importantly, for their extraordinary service to our country.

And I want to thank all the rabbis and lay leaders who have come far and wide to be here with us today.

Now, as I said, 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. (Laughter.) But we do have to be careful that your kids don’t start thinking Hanukkah lasts 20 nights instead of eight. (Laughter.) That will cause some problems.

This Hanukkah season we remember a story so powerful that we all know it by heart -- even us Gentiles. It’s a story of right over might, of faith over doubt. Of a band of believers who rose up and freed their people and discovered that the oil left in their desecrated temple –- which should have lasted only one night –- ended up lasting eight.

It’s a timeless story. And for 2,000 years, it has given hope to Jews everywhere who are struggling. And today, it reminds us that miracles come in all shapes and sizes. Because to most people, the miracle of Hanukkah would have looked like nothing more than a simple flame, but the believers in the temple knew it was something else. They knew it was something special.

This year, 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. (Applause.)

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. (Laughter.) So we are going to see all of you in a second downstairs --

MRS. OBAMA: Aren't we in the Blue Room?

THE PRESIDENT: Or wherever we are. (Laughter.) I think we're downstairs. We are downstairs in the Map Room. So as I look around, I see a whole bunch of good friends. We can't wait to give you a hug and a kiss and wish you a happy holiday. The guys with whiskers, I won't give you a kiss. (Laughter.)

Thank you very much, everybody. (Applause.)

END 6:14 P.M. EST

First Lady Celebrates 50th Anniversary Of The White House Historical Association

Caroline Kennedy and members of other First Families attend reception...
President Obama and First Lady Obama have made plenty of White House history since 2009, from creating new policy to making bricks-and-mortar changes to the most famous address in America (not least of which is Mrs. Obama's Kitchen Garden). Today, the First Lady hosted an afternoon reception celebrating the 50th Anniversary of The White House Historical Association, which has played a crucial role in preserving the Presidential residence. Former First Daughter Caroline Kennedy and representatives from other First Families joined Mrs. Obama at the 3:30 PM event. (Above: Mrs. Obama and Kennedy wait in the Green Room before entering the reception to make remarks)

The reception was closed to press, though the non-profit organization, chartered in 1961, plays a vital role in educating the public about the White House, as well as recording its unique history. First Lady Jackie Kennedy was crucial to both restoring many parts of the White House and establishing the WHHA, which has published and distributed more than eight million books about the White House, as well as videos and other educational materials.

A special exhibit for the 50th Anniversary, "Something of Splendor," is devoted to Decorative Arts from the White House, and opened on Oct. 1 at the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, located across the street from the White House campus. If you are visiting Washington, DC, the gorgeous exhibition is a must-see, with pieces on display that have never been outside of the Residence. It runs through May of 2012. Information is here.

"Thousands of schools, universities and libraries have received free educational materials about the White House, and traveling exhibits and videos are circulated to the presidential libraries and museums," noted the East Wing in its announcement of Mrs. Obama's reception.

*Photo by Lawrence Jackson/White House