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Beam of Light: The Story of the First White House Menorah

by Elisa Boxer

A White House beam becomes a Hanukkah symbol

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AlbakiReads Editorial

A White House beam becomes a Hanukkah symbol

Elisa Boxer’s picture book traces the history of the official White House menorah introduced for Hanukkah in 2022. Its central object began as reclaimed wood from a Truman-era renovation, then remained in storage for seventy years before being transformed into a menorah. That journey connects a building’s changing history with the book’s account of Jewish resilience and the lasting place of Hanukkah in American public life. The story offers a concrete way to explore how an overlooked piece of material can take on new meaning through its connection to tradition and remembrance.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Children ages 4–8 exploring Hanukkah and Jewish traditions
  • Families and educators seeking a picture book about Jewish life in America
  • Young readers interested in the history of the White House and its objects

Themes

HanukkahJewish resilienceAmerican Jewish lifeHistory and reuse

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

The first piece of Judaica in the White House's permanent holiday collection was introduced for Hanukkah in 2022. This lovely picture book tells the history and importance of its creation.

The official White House menorah is a symbol of strength and perseverance against seemingly insurmountable odds. It was created from a piece of reclaimed wood salvaged during a Truman-era renovation of the building. That beam of White House wood sat in storage for seventy years, through thirteen different presidents. It might have been destroyed, but instead it waited for its new purpose. And so, in 2022, it was transformed into a menorah that will shine its beams of light every year, celebrating the resilience and permanence of Jewish people in America and abroad.
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