President Obama talks about Pidyon Shevoyim at whitehouse chanuka party

Maariv @ the whitehouse

Rabbis Zwiebel & Wieder at white-house

At the first of two Chanukah parties hosted by the first family at the white house, the president opened his remarks on the release of  Alan gross a Jewish American held captive in Cuba. President Obama said that he was makayem the mitzva of Pidyon Shevuyim on Chanukah by the realese of Alan Gross. watch video Here There were many frum yidden in attendance representing Agudah and other local organizations. The  bracha of shehechiyanu was recited on the second night. There was also a Minyan for Maariv.