30 Years Ago Today: A Special Chanukah in DC

Thirty years ago, on December 22, 1986 – 20 Kislev, 5747, President Ronald Reagan received a delegation of Chabad Rabbis in the Oval Office in honor of Chanukah. Led by Rabbi Avraham Shemtov of American Friends of Lubavitch, the Shluchim from across the United States presented the President with a special Menorah.

Photographer Yossi Melamed accompanied the group, capturing special moments of the historic event. And while some of the scene may look familiar, Melamed’s photos had been stored away and all but forgotten. Recently, JEM’s Living Archive uncovered the films containing the full collection of photos shot on that day.

Today, as then, the Rebbe’s emissaries are bringing the light of Chanukah to every single Jew. Whether it’s sharing the light through politicians, erecting a Menorah in a shopping mall, or knocking on someone’s door to help them kindle the Chanukah candles, they continue the Rebbe’s mission of light outshining darkness.

Seen standing in front of the White House (L to R) Rabbi Yossi Groner (NC), Rabbi Avraham Shemtov (PA), Rabbi Shlomo Cunin (CA), Rabbi Moshe Feller (MN), Rabbi Moshe Herson (NJ), Rabbi Zalman Posner (TN), Rabbi Yisroel Shmotkin (WI), Rabbi Shmuel Raichik (CA), and Rabbi Shmuel Kaplan (MD).