One of the more prominent activities of the Washington Office is the annual lighting ceremony of the National Chanukah Menorah, on the Ellipse, just across from the White House.
This lighting of the world's largest menorah is viewed by millions across the nation and around the world via media, many of them hundreds of miles from any Jewish community, which makes it very difficult for them to otherwise celebrate and enjoy Chanukah properly.

Indeed, this menorah has become a national symbol of the festival of Chanukah, bringing inspiration to many communities to sponsor even more public menorah lighting ceremonies of their own. After all, this is the essence of the celebration - to proclaim and celebrate the miracle of Chanukah - The Festival of Lights in the most public manner possible.

In this way, we reaffirm the celebration of our freedom, inspired by the historic and present victory of right over might, light over darkness, and understanding and justice over intolerance and bigotry.

The National Menorah Council is uniquely positioned and prepared to offer creative, logistical and other support to many communities, as initial hesitation is replaced by pride and enthusiasm regarding this celebration.

In addition, our critically acclaimed annual celebration of Chanukah on the internet, "Virtual Chanukah", has attracted as many as five million hits (really!) in three weeks.

Through innovative concepts like Olive Drops, CyberDreidle, e-mitzvot, etc., Jews anywhere can illuminate their homes and lives with the special glow and meaning of the Chanukah lights, celebrating the victory of right over might, good over evil, and light over darkness.

2004 marked the 25th anniversary celebration of the National Menorah coinciding with the formation of the National Menorah Council, which now enjoys support in 50 states.

Planned activities include the development of a global Chanukah celebration, across all times zones, building on the successful "Chanukah Live" intercontinental satellite transmissions of Chanukah celebrations, established in 1989.