Vice President Joe Biden is presented with a shawl after lighting the candle at the Diwali reception in the South Court Auditorium of the White House, Nov. 13, 2012. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

On Tuesday afternoon, for the fourth year, the White House celebrated Diwali, a holiday observed annually by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and some Buddhist throughout India and across the world. Known as the “festival of lights,” Diwali offers time for both reflection and celebration. Its stories and rituals focus on the triumph of light over darkness and compassion over hatred. The day signifies the renewal of life and the promise of prosperity for the year to come.

Vice President Joe Biden greets Indian Ambassador to the United States Ambassador Nirupama Rao, at the Diwali reception in the South Court Auditorium of the White House, Nov. 13, 2012. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

Bringing together South Asian American community leaders, elected officials, entrepreneurs, and Obama Administration officials, as well as Members of Congress and the Diplomatic Corps, the White House celebration culminated with remarks from Vice President Joe Biden.  In his remarks, the Vice President spoke of the universal resonance of Diwali and asked guests to recommit themselves to providing for those less fortunate.  In closing, the Vice President expressed his wishes for a peaceful and prosperous Diwali and that the lights guide the guests safely home.  At the conclusion of the ceremony, a priest from a local Hindu temple draped a blue shawl around the Vice President’s shoulders as he lit the diya.

To read the President’s statement on the Observance of Diwali, please click here.

Danielle Borrin is Director of Intergovernmental Affairs and Deputy Director of Office of Public Engagement in the Office of the Vice President.

Watch President Obama's Rosh Hashanah Message, here. 

At sundown tomorrow night, the Jewish community here in the United States and all over the world will gather to celebrate the start of the new year. Rosh Hashanah offers us an extraordinary sense of possibility because it provides us an opportunity to shape our world for the better.

In his video greeting for the High Holy Days, President Obama says: 

As the High Holidays begin, we look back on all the moments during the past year that gave us reason to hope.  Around the world, a new generation is reaching for their universal rights.  Here in the United States, we’ve responded to our challenges by focusing on the things that really matter – friendship, family, and community. 

But this last year was also one of hardship for people around the world.  Too many of our friends and neighbors continue to struggle in the wake of a terrible economic recession.  And beyond our borders, many of our closest allies – including the State of Israel – face the uncertainties of an unpredictable age. 

That is why my Administration is doing everything we can to promote prosperity here at home and security and peace throughout the world – and that includes reaffirming our commitment to the State of Israel.  While we cannot know all that the New Year will bring, we do know this: the United States will continue to stand with Israel, because the bond between our two nations is unshakable.

 As Jewish tradition teaches us, we may not complete the work, but that must never keep us from trying.  In that spirit, Michelle and I wish you, your families, and all who celebrate Rosh Hashanah a sweet year full of health, happiness, and peace.

From the White House, we wish everyone a happy and sweet New Year.

While some families hold the secret to the fluffiest matzoh balls in town, others have created new traditions to share with their families and friends.

Here at the White House tonight, President and Mrs. Obama will again host a small Seder, complete with recipes provided by friends and family.  It’s a tradition that started in Pennsylvania in 2008, when after a long day on the campaign trail then-Senator Obama gathered a group of staffers – Jewish and non-Jewish alike – for an impromptu Seder.  Each year since, the same group, along with a few close friends and family, have come together to carry on the tradition at the White House.  Among the family recipes on the menu this year are a traditional chicken soup with matzoh balls, braised beef brisket, potato kugel, carrot soufflé, and matzoh chocolate cake.

As the eight days of Passover begin tonight, we reached out to eight Jewish chefs around the country to share their own thoughts, menus and recipes for a healthy, satisfying Seder. We hope these recipes will give you some new ideas for your own Passover traditions.

We’re grateful to these participating chefs:

• Joan Nathan, Cookbook Author, Washington, DC - Moroccan Charoset Truffles (pdf)
• Todd Aarons, Executive Chef of Tierra Sur at Herzog Wine Cellars, Oxnard, CA - Persian Style Chicken Soup (pdf)
• Michelle Bernstein, Chef and Owner of Michy’s and Sra. Martinez, Miami, FL - Moroccan Spiced Cornish Hens (pdf)
• Gale Gand, Pastry Chef of Tru, Chicago, IL - Passover Lemon Sponge Cake with Strawberries (pdf)
• Joyce Goldstein, Cookbook Author and Guest Chef for Passover Seder at Perbacco Restaurant, San Francisco, CA - Spinach with Pine Nuts and Raisins (pdf)
• Peter Hoffman, Chef of Savoy Restaurant, New York, NY - Tahrir Square Salad (pdf)
• Michael Leviton, Chef of Lumiere, Newton, MA - Maple-Mustard Glazed Smoked Sable (pdf)
• Michael Solomonov, Chef of Zahav, Philadelphia, PA - Carrot and Apple Salad with Pine Nuts (pdf)

Chag Sameach!

Note: These commentaries, menus and recipes are products of the chefs themselves.

Danielle Borrin is the Associate Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement and liaison to the Jewish community.

in every corner of the world, Jews have lit the Hanukkah candles as symbols of resilience in times of peace, and in times of persecution – in concentration camps and ghettos; war zones and unfamiliar lands. Their light inspires us to hope beyond hope; to believe that miracles are possible even in the darkest of hours. It is this message of Hanukkah that speaks to us no matter what faith we practice or what beliefs we cherish…it invites all of us to rededicate ourselves to improving the lives of those around us, spreading the light of freedom and tolerance wherever oppression and prejudice exist.

We invite you to join us here at the White House tonight for the President's remarks, the lighting of the menorah and a performance by saxophonist Joshua Redman beginning at 6:35 p.m. EST on WhiteHouse.gov/live.

Happy Hanukkah!