On the fourth night of Chanukah, 1979, Jimmy Carter became the first American president in history to publicly light a Chanukah menorah, kicking off an annual tradition in Washington, D.C. Photo: Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum
Jimmy Carter, 100, Confronted Darkest Days of Presidency With the Light of the Menorah
That fourth light of Chanukah, Jimmy Carter, who died at age 100 on Dec. 29, 2024, became the first American president in history to publicly light a Chanukah menorah, kicking off an annual Washington, D.C., tradition that has helped launch the Jewish holiday into the public sphere.
