Shabbat 250 Celebrated at the White House
As the United States prepares to mark its 250th anniversary with nationwide celebrations of faith and religion, a special Shabbos-themed event was held at the White House on Friday.
by COLlive Editor · COLliveBy COLlive reporter
As the United States prepares to mark its 250th anniversary with nationwide celebrations of faith and religion, a special Shabbos-themed event was held at the White House on Friday.
The event was organized by the White House in connection with “Rededicate 250,” a major faith initiative taking place on the National Mall this weekend as part of America’s semiquincentennial observances. President Donald Trump had called for Shabbos to be honored as part of the broader celebration of faith in America.
Held shortly before Shabbos, the reception took place in the famed Indian Treaty Room at the White House, one of the complex’s most prominent ceremonial rooms used for public events. Senior administration officials and White House staff attended the gathering, which coincided with the return of an official delegation from China.
The reception lasted about an hour and concluded early enough to allow attendees to return home before Shabbos. Organizers described the atmosphere as warm and respectful, with participants expressing appreciation for Jewish traditions and observance.
A highlight of the event was a demonstration of a Shabbos table displaying traditional Shabbos items and foods. Social media personality and activist Emily Austin participated in a symbolic candle-lighting demonstration after being asked both by White House officials and by her mother, who for the first time in 25 years, was unable to light candles herself.
Organizers stressed that the demonstration took place before the official onset of Shabbos and was intended as a public representation of the mitzvah. They described the moment as a significant Kiddush Hashem.
Guests were presented with commemorative copies of a special proclamation together with a Shabbos handbook produced by the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute for the occasion. The materials featured a custom “Shabbat 250” logo incorporating the number 250 into the design.
Following the reception, participants continued to nearby Decatur House, the White House historical museum located adjacent to the executive complex, where a full Shabbos dinner was held. Glatt kosher food and wine were served throughout both events, and attendees were introduced to traditional Shabbos customs and cuisine.
Remarks were delivered by Martin Marks, Special Assistant to the President and White House liaison to the Jewish community, who spoke about the significance of including Jewish faith and practice in the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations, and Rabbi Levi Shemtov, Executive Vice President of American Friends of Lubavitch (Chabad), who also organized the dinner following the reception.
Rabbi Shemtov spoke about the historic significance of the President’s call, and how the Rebbe always urged Jewish people to promote and strengthen Shabbos observance, and encourage Jewish women and girls to light Shabbos candles.
Participants said the event reflected a strong sense of respect for Yiddishkeit at a time when America is highlighting the role of faith in public life as part of the country’s historic milestone celebrations.
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