Friends and Neighbors:

 

It was an honor to represent the Jewish Community Council of West Rogers Park at the White House annual Chanukah reception. My wife, Elisheva, and I received a call and invitation with just days advance notice and made quick arrangements to travel to Washington DC.

 

The special guest at this year’s reception was Israel’s President Reuven Rivlin. This 15-minute video of President Obama, President Rivlin, and the candle-lighting ceremony captures some of the excitement (although the Maccabeats performance was not included).

 

I also attended the Jewish Community Policy Briefing on a variety of topics with representatives from the State Department and National Security Council earlier in the day. 

 

During my brief interaction with President and First Lady Obama, we discussed West Rogers Park and he shared fond memories of our neighborhood and encouraged our leaders to “keep up the good work”. Joined at the White House by Rabbi Leonard Matanky, our neighborhood was well represented!

 

Shalom Klein

Jewish Community Council of West Rogers Park