Best Images of 2014
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David Goodman, Andrew Goodman
David Goodman displays his family's Presidential Medal of Freedom which he had just received from President Barack Obama on behalf of his brother, slain civil rights worker Andrew Goodman, during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House on November 24, 2014 in Washington, DC. The Medal of Freedom is the country's highest civilian honor. The first African-American U.S. president gave medals to the families of civil rights workers James Chaney, Andrew Goodman and Michael Schwerner, who were killed in Mississippi in 1964. (Photo by Jeff Malet)
Vice President Joe Biden was an honored guest at a special lighting ceremony took place for the National Hanukkah Menorah, the world’s largest, on the Ellipse, just across from the White House on the first night of the eight-day Jewish holiday of Hanukkah.
The first candle on the National Menorah was lit on Wednesday, December 16,, 2014 by Rabbi Levi Shemtov, executive vice president of American Friends of Lubavitch (Chabad) . The United States Army Band, and "The Three Cantors" performed. The national menorah lighting dates to 1979 when Jimmy Carter was president. Hanukkah celebrates the Jewish Maccabees' military victory over Syrian oppression more than two-thousand years ago. A candle is lit each night of the eight-day celebration, commemorating the miracle of one day's supply of oil lasting a full eight days in the lamp following the re dedication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Following the ceremony, those in attendance were treated to hot traditional Hanukkah latkes (potato pancakes), donuts and cookies. Attendance was free, but tickets had to be reserved in advance. The annual event is sponsored by American Friends of Lubavitch (Chabad), represented by Rabbi Levi Shemtov and his father Rabbi Abraham Shemtov
Newseum (11-9-14)
