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Capitol Jewish Forum Hosts 20th Annual Hanukkah Celebration

All of Congress is invited to mingle with members of the tribe Tuesday at the annual Hanukkah celebration hosted by the outreach arm of American Friends of Lubavitch, the Capitol Jewish Forum.

The all-inclusive party, now in its 20th year, is scheduled to take place from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the Mike Mansfield Room (S-207) of the Capitol. All lawmakers and staff are welcome to attend. (Non-staffers must RSVP to cjf@afldc.org by no later than 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 2.)

Rabbi Levi Shemtov, executive vice president of American Friends of Lubavitch, said the event typically draws a few hundred guests, including leaders from both sides of the aisle.

(Courtesy LM Photography)
(Courtesy LM Photography)

“As they say, ‘Only in America!’” he quipped about being flanked at last year’s event by House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va., and Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida.

Shemtov said the festivities this year will be marked with plenty of fried latkes (plain, with sour cream and applesauce on the side), jelly doughnuts, live music and complimentary Hanukkah gifts (simple menorah, candles and a dreidel included in each set) for the kids.

“We’re delighted to have this opportunity to bring the festival of lights to the Capitol,” Shemtov said of the goodwill gathering.

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