LTC Larry Bazer Lights The Menorah With The Commander In Chief

President Barack Obama looks on at right as Rabbi Larry Bazer, Joint Forces Chaplain for the Massachusetts National Guard, light a Menorah during the Hanukkah reception in the Grand Foyer of the White House, Thursday, Dec. 13, 2012, in Washington. Photo: Carolyn Kaster / AP

Rabbi Laurence Bazer (LTC, U.S. Army) lit a 90-year-old menorah from a temple on Long Island that was ravaged by Hurricane Sandy at a Hanukkah party at the White House last night.

LTC Bazer is currently the rabbi at Temple Beth Sholom in Framingham, Massachussets but has served as an Army chaplain for over 23 years including a recent tour to Afghanistan where he was the sole Jewish chaplain in country. Tablet Magazine wrote an excellent piece on Bazer back in March of this year.

Rabbi Bazer was invited to the White House celebration hosted by President Barack Obama and First lady Michelle Obama, who also participated in the lighting ceremony. There was also a performance by the Westpoint Jewish Chior as well as some Channukah tunes from the Marine Band. A video of some of the ceremony is posted below.