For many years, a Hanukkah candle-lighting ceremony had been held at the White House, but the White House did not have its own officially designated Hanukkah menorah. A succession of borrowed menorahs had been used, and their flames burned brightly and engendered pride in Jewish Americans throughout the land. But finally, in 2022, the time arrived for the United States government to dedicate its first menorah for exclusive White House use. This beautifully illustrated and magnificently written picture book tells the story of that menorah — in the menorah’s own voice.
The story is told by a plank of wood saved from the White House renovation during the Truman administration. The plank recalls the Holocaust and the valiant yet ultimately unsuccessful efforts of American Jewish rabbis to appeal to President Roosevelt to use his power to aid Europe’s Jews. It remembers the Truman-era renovation and then the many years it sat in storage as a simple piece of wood, waiting for a purpose, waiting to be redeemed. Finally, under the Biden administration, the plank once again saw the light of day. It was fashioned into a menorah whose lights now illuminate the world and continue to glow. It is an ongoing symbol of Jewish pride, reminding the world of the history of Hanukkah and its permanent impact on our lives. It has been added to the White House collection, where it will continue to shine and inspire Americans to appreciate their freedom.
An author’s note provides more details about the history of Hanukkah candle lighting at the White House, as well as information about Hanukkah, United States history, and Jewish resilience. This book glows with hope.
Michal Hoschander Malen is the editor of Jewish Book Council’s young adult and children’s book reviews. A former librarian, she has lectured on topics relating to literacy, run book clubs, and loves to read aloud to her grandchildren.
