since 1979, the white house has been represented at the lighting of the national menorah in celebration of hanukkah, beginning with the attendance of president jimmy carter in the ceremony in lafayette park. additionally, beginning with president bill clinton in 1993, a hanukkiah is lit at the white house, and in 2001, president george w. bush began the annual tradition of a white house hanukkah party in the white house residence, which includes a hanukkiah candle lighting ceremony.