The Whole Spiel
Jimmy Carter and a National Menorah
by Museum Staff
January 8, 2025
In honor of President Carter (Oct 1, 1924–Dec 29, 2024)—may his memory be a blessing—we share a story from the collection.
On December 17, 1979, President Jimmy Carter became the first president to publicly light a menorah near the White House, which had hosted a National Christmas Tree since 1923.
When President Carter tried to light the ceremonial national menorah, staffers realized that regular-sized matches would not work with the tall Plexiglas box used to protect the candles against the windy evening. Luckily, a Jewish-owned shop nearby had specialty long matches which saved the day.
President Carter signed the matchbox after the rescue: “Best Wishes. (Thanks!) To the Kranish’s. Jimmy Carter 12/79.” The matchbox—pictured below—was donated to the Museum in 2021 and is on view in the ongoing exhibition What is Jewish Washington.
“That impact of the candle lit by Carter has, in effect, lasted a lot longer than eight days. It continues now.’”—Carter Advisor Stuart Eizenstat, The Washington Post, 2020
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President Carter lights a menorah in Lafayette Square across from the White House, December. 17, 1979. Lillian and Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum Collection. Gift of the Washington Jewish Week.
Matchbox, with personal note, from President Carter's Hanukkah event on December 17, 1979. Lillian and Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum Collection. Gift of Michael Kranish and family.
Matchbox from President Carter's Hanukkah event on December 17, 1979. Lillian and Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum Collection. Gift of Michael Kranish and family.
President Carter lights a menorah in Lafayette Square across from the White House, December. 17, 1979. Lillian and Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum Collection. Gift of the Washington Jewish Week.