About 250 preschool children and their parents helped a Cleveland Park synagogue kick off the eight crazy nights Friday.
Hanukkah began Friday night, but several hours earlier students from Gan HaYeled preschool at Adas Israel Congregation sang songs led by Caron Dale and looked on as Rabbi Gil Steinlauf lit the first candle on an eight-foot menorah.
At the White House, President Barack Obama issued the following statement:
"Michelle and I send our warmest wishes to all who are celebrating Hanukkah around the world. Hanukkah is not only a time to celebrate the faith and customs of the Jewish people, but for people of all faiths to celebrate the common aspirations we share."
