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. In photo, Ephraim Kaufman, dressed as Dreidelman, entertains children. December 20, 2011.

Rabbi Levi Shemtov, Office of Management and Budget Director Jacob J. Lew and Shemtov’s father, Rabbi Abraham Shemtov, light the National Menorah. 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. The first candle was lit on Tuesday, December 20, 2011.