Bipartisan Celebration of Hanukkah at the U.S. Capitol

On December 10, 2025, a bipartisan gathering took place at the U.S. Capitol for the third annual Capitol Menorah Lighting Ceremony, hosted by U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson. The event aimed to commemorate the upcoming eight-day festival of Hanukkah and was attended by prominent leaders from both parties, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. The ceremony, held in the Rayburn Room, featured Rabbi Levi Shemtov and included Republican Representatives Craig Goldman and Randy Fine among other attendees.

Watch: Congressional Leaders Unite for Chanukkah Menorah Lighting at CapitolSpeaker Johnson, Congressional Leaders Host Capitol Menorah Lighting

Speaker Johnson emphasized the importance of the ceremony, stating that it serves as a celebration of courage and resilience within the Jewish community. He recounted the historical significance of Hanukkah, highlighting the story of Judah Maccabee and the miracle of the menorah's oil lasting eight days. Johnson noted that the menorah used in the ceremony was made from steel sourced from missiles intercepted by Israel's Iron Dome, symbolizing the enduring spirit of the Jewish people.

Speaker Johnson, Congressional Leaders Host Capitol Menorah LightingWatch: Congressional Leaders Unite for Chanukkah Menorah Lighting at Capitol

In his remarks, Johnson expressed gratitude for the freedoms enjoyed by Americans, particularly the freedom to worship without fear of persecution. He also reflected on the historical commitment to religious liberty in the United States, referencing a letter from George Washington to Jewish leaders in 1790, which affirmed the protection of their rights. Johnson stated, “This is a natural right, that you are given this right by God, not by government, and the United States will jealously protect that.”

Speaker Johnson, Congressional Leaders Host Capitol Menorah Lighting

While the ceremony was largely a moment of unity, some critics have pointed out that such events can sometimes overshadow ongoing issues faced by the Jewish community, including rising antisemitism. However, specific dissenting voices were not highlighted in the sources.

Watch: Congressional Leaders Unite for Chanukkah Menorah Lighting at Capitol

The event underscored a rare moment of bipartisan cooperation centered on religious freedom and support for the Jewish community. It served as a reminder of the shared values that can unite lawmakers across party lines, particularly in the context of celebrating cultural and religious diversity in America.

Watch: Congressional Leaders Unite for Chanukkah Menorah Lighting at Capitol

• “The Festival of Hanukkah, at its heart, is a celebration of course, of courage of the Jewish people's steadfast defense of their faith over centuries of persecution.” — Mike Johnson, Speaker of the House

Speaker Johnson, Congressional Leaders Host Capitol Menorah Lighting

• “I just want to say that we take heart in knowing that even in the face of generations of bigotry, bondage, persecution, and exile, the Jewish people have endured, and they have flourished.” — Mike Johnson, Speaker of the House

Speaker Johnson, Congressional Leaders Host Capitol Menorah Lighting

• “This cherished tradition is an ideal articulated in our earliest days as a young nation.” — Mike Johnson, Speaker of the House

Speaker Johnson, Congressional Leaders Host Capitol Menorah Lighting

The Capitol Menorah Lighting Ceremony not only celebrated the festival of Hanukkah but also reinforced the values of unity and religious freedom that are foundational to American democracy.

Speaker Johnson, Congressional Leaders Host Capitol Menorah Lighting