National Menorah to be lit in D.C. for Hanukkah

By The Associated Press
Published: December 20, 2011
Updated: December 20, 2011 - 8:53 AM

WASHINGTON --

A special lighting ceremony is planned for the National Hanukkah Menorah near the White House on the first night of the eight-day Jewish holiday.

On Tuesday, Office of Management and Budget Director Jacob Lew will be a special guest to help light the menorah on the Ellipse. The lighting is scheduled for 4 p.m. Organizers say thousands of people are scheduled to attend. "The President's Own" U.S. Marine Band will perform.

The national menorah lighting dates to 1979 when Jimmy Carter was president. President Ronald Reagan dubbed it the "National Menorah."