Itzhak Perlman performs at first ever White House High Holidays reception
First Lady Jill Biden, President Biden Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff host a reception to celebrate the Jewish New Year in the East Room of the White House in Washington, D.C, September 30, 2022 (Photo credit: Brendan Smialowski)
At First White House Rosh Hashanah Event, Schmoozing, Sushi and Presidential Selfies
By Gabby Deutch
Jewish Times
October 2, 2022
It was a scene reminiscent of the lobby of any synagogue, or a kiddush luncheon after the conclusion of Shabbat services: Hundreds of Jews gathered in one big room, schmoozing and saying “Shana tova” and enjoying some brisket and challah.
These were the leading figures of American Jewish life — rabbis and educators; activists, politicians and policymakers; nonprofit professionals and lay leaders — but instead of meeting outside of Yom Kippur services, they were standing under glistening chandeliers in the White House’s stately East Room for the first-ever White House Rosh Hashanah event.
“If I acknowledge everyone by name, we’ll be here [until] the Hanukkah reception in December,” President Joe Biden joked at the start of his remarks.
He mentioned Rabbi Michael Beals of Congregation Beth Shalom in Wilmington, Del., a synagogue in Biden’s hometown. “That’s where I received my education. I probably went to shul more than many of you did,” he said. “It’s been a home, and over the years, we’ve shared deep conversations about faith and finding purpose.”
Biden addressed the crowd, with many Jewish Democratic leaders, to loud cheers and applause. He quoted the Talmud and the late British Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, offering what amounted to a D’var Torah that applied Jewish teachings to his policy agenda.
“The late Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, who passed away two years ago, once said that the most important lesson of the High Holidays is that nothing — nothing — is broken beyond repair,” Biden said. “We’ve emerged from one of our most difficult moments in our history. I believe nothing is broken beyond repair, and there’s a lot we can do to change things and bring people together.”
The most memorable moment for many was a surprise performance by Israeli-American violin virtuoso Itzhak Perlman, who performed the prayer “Avinu Malkeinu” from the High Holidays liturgy. Guests sang along.
Rabbi Levi Shemtov, executive vice president of American Friends of Lubavitch (Chabad), called the performance “epic.” Perlman’s performance “at the White House, three days before Yom Kippur — what could be more magical?”
“We are very grateful that we get to continue in the tradition that they set forth,” Emhoff said, referring to the Bidens’ famous Naval Observatory gatherings. “The doorposts there are protected by mezuzot — that’s two mezuzahs. We hosted a Passover Seder. We’ve lit a historic menorah for Hanukkah. But now, we gather in the White House during the Days of Awe.” His wife, Vice President Kamala Harris, was present but did not give a speech.
To read the full article click here.
To read the White House press release click here.