Chanukah 250 Launches to Mark Nation's 250th
A national Hanukkah initiative backed by American Friends of Lubavitch-Chabad will support celebrations across all 50 states.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Judaism
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American Friends of Lubavitch-Chabad launched the Chanukah 250 initiative in Washington, DC, to support Hanukkah celebrations in all 50 US states. The effort is tied to the country's 250th anniversary and includes grants, commemorative menorah kits and candle sets, and sponsored events.
Why it matters
The initiative aims to highlight the historic role of American Jews in the country's founding and to strengthen Jewish identity amid rising antisemitism. It seeks to bring Hanukkah observances into public spaces, synagogues, community centers, and campuses nationwide.
The initiative will support Hanukkah celebrations across all 50 US states in a year marking the 250th anniversary of the nation. Funding amounts and total event counts were not disclosed in the source material.
The players
American Friends of Lubavitch-Chabad
An organization affiliated with the Chabad-Lubavitch movement that runs Jewish outreach and community programs across the United States.
Rabbi Levi Shemtov
Executive vice president of American Friends of Lubavitch-Chabad, who launched the Chanukah 250 initiative.
Phil Friedman
Chairman and CEO of Computer Generated Solutions, named general chairman of the initiative.
The details
Chanukah 250 is funded through American Friends of Lubavitch-Chabad and provides grants covering security, logistics, and other event needs. Its main event is a menorah lighting on the White House Ellipse on December 6 at 4 p.m., with further sponsored events planned at Independence Mall, Plymouth Rock, Mount Rushmore, and Niagara Falls.
Timeline
Thursday: Chanukah 250 launched in Washington, DC.
December 6 at 4 p.m.: Menorah lighting on the White House Ellipse.
Big Picture
Like the 1976 US Bicentennial, which used nationwide programming to mark the country's anniversary, Chanukah 250 ties a religious observance to the 250th milestone. Its scale across all 50 states mirrors that earlier model of decentralized national commemoration.
Residents in any state may find Hanukkah events in public spaces, synagogues, and community centers supported by the initiative. Families can attend sponsored gatherings or receive commemorative menorah kits and candle sets offered through the program.
The takeaway
Hanukkah observances this year are being expanded into a nationwide commemoration tied to the country's 250th anniversary. Readers interested in attending can look for local events in public venues and community centers.
What happens next
The main menorah lighting on the White House Ellipse is scheduled for December 6 at 4 p.m.
Further reading
For more on Jewish holidays and traditions, explore our Judaism coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Jerusalem Post.
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