Page 25 - Highlights for Children (December 2017)
P. 25
in 2014. But a dirty menorah?
Menorahs rescued from Hurricane
Katrina and Hurricane Sandy
have been used. They were cleaned
and polished in time for the White
House party.
So, the menorah is lit, prayers
are said, and speeches are made.
It’s time to eat!
Making the
Kitchen Kosher
The menu for the White House
party includes more than just
latkes and traditional jelly
doughnuts. Sushi and lamb chops
may also be on the menu. But “We were shocked and very
this is a Hanukkah party, and excited,” he said. The two saved Lights of Hope
many of the guests keep kosher, the big news until after that day’s
meaning the food must follow rehearsal. “We said, ‘So, guys, and Healing
Jewish law. How simple is that? we got an e-mail today, and we’re
Not very! going to sing at the White House,’ Two ninth-graders from
Teams of rabbis take over and everyone freaked out.” Jerusalem, one Jewish and
the White House kitchen. one Muslim, light a menorah
Everything is scrubbed, then The menorah is lit, together at the 2014 White
cleaned with boiling water or House Hanukkah party.
high heat. Things that can’t be prayers are said, and Hanukkah is not a Muslim
made kosher are covered—even speeches are made. holiday, but the students
the lights above and the hanging are from the Hand in Hand
pot rack. “When President Bush It’s time to eat! School, which brings
came to thank us,” Rabbi Hillel together students from
Baron of Columbia, Maryland, President George W. Bush the Jewish and Muslim
recalled, “I thanked him for was the first President to host a religions. The two
making the party kosher. Hanukkah party. He said, “It’s a communities have been
The President replied, ‘It is symbol that this house may be a in conflict for many years.
the right thing to do.’” temporary home for Laura and Students from all grades
me, but it’s the people’s house, and and both religions worked
Striking Up the Band it belongs to people of all faiths.” together to design and
Parties need music. The At the 2009 celebration, make the menorah after
Marine Band plays everything President Barack Obama spoke their school building
from Bach to “I Have a Little about the Hanukkah candles. survived an arsonist’s fire
Dreidel.” A special group, often “Their light inspires us to hope and was defaced with
from a college or high school, also beyond hope,” he said, “to believe graffiti. Shown from left
performs. Daniel Rabin, who that miracles are possible even to right are Hand in Hand
sang at the 2009 party with the in the darkest of hours.” students Inbar Shaked Vardi
University of Maryland’s Kol Would it take a miracle for you and Mouran Ibrahim, First
Sasson choir, recalled when he to celebrate Hanukkah in the Lady Michelle Obama, and
and his friend received the White House? Not if you find an President Barack Obama.
group’s invitation by e-mail. invitation in your mail!
Photos: page 24 by AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais; DECEMBER 2017 25
page 25 by AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin.
