Vice President Kamala Harris’s husband deleted a Monday Hanukkah post that critics derided as inaccurate.
“The story of Hanukkah and the story of the Jewish people has always been one of hope and resilience,” second gentleman Doug Emhoff, who is Jewish, wrote in the now-deleted post on X, formerly Twitter. “In the Hanukkah story, the Jewish people were forced into hiding. No one thought they would survive or that the few drops of oil they had would last. But they survived and the oil kept burning.”
“During those eight days in hiding, they recited their prayers and continued their traditions,” he continued. “That’s why Hanukkah means dedication. It was during those dark nights that the Maccabees dedicated themselves to maintaining hope and faith in the oil, each other, and their Judaism. In these dark times, I think of that story.”
He accompanied the post with a photo of Harris and him lighting a candle on a menorah.
Hanukkah and the tradition surrounding the oil that burned for eight days, however, is not about Jews going into hiding. The holiday is about the Maccabean revolt, in which a group of Jews successfully revolted against Seleucid king Antiochus IV Epiphanes after he defiled their Second Temple.
Hanukkah celebrates that revolt, as well as the dedication of the Second Temple. In the Talmud, Judas Maccabeus, the revolt’s leader, found only one day’s worth of proper oil with which to rededicate the temple after the Jews retook it, but the oil miraculously lasted for eight days.
Several commentators slammed Emhoff on X for the post.
“Wait you’re telling me Doug Emhoff doesn’t know anything about Judaism I can’t believe it I’m totally shocked I’m stunn-,” wrote the Daily Wire‘s Ben Shapiro.
“The rewriting of Hanukkah as a story of Jews hiding rather than Jews fighting against assimilation is absurd, but also very revealing about the attitude of the left,” National Review‘s Philip Klein said.
Emhoff has spoken out about a rise in anti-Semitism in the wake of Hamas’s Oct. 7 terror attacks. At a White House menorah lighting ceremony last week, he criticized the presidents of three elite universities for their controversial congressional testimony on anti-Semitism earlier this month. At the ceremony, he told the Jewish community that members of the administration “have your back.”
How did Doug Emhoff respond to the backlash he received for his Hanukkah post?
Himself lighting the Hanukkah menorah in their home.
Emhoff’s post received criticism from some social media users who argued that it inaccurately depicted the story of Hanukkah. They pointed out that the Jewish people were not forced into hiding during Hanukkah, but rather they were fighting against the oppressive rule of the Seleucid Empire.
In response to the backlash, Emhoff deleted the post and issued an apology. “I apologize for any confusion caused by my previous post about Hanukkah,” he wrote in a follow-up tweet. “I did not intend to diminish the historical context and significance of this holiday. I am deeply committed to honoring and celebrating the traditions of the Jewish faith.”
The incident highlights the importance of accurate cultural representation, particularly when it comes to religious traditions. Emhoff, as the second gentleman and spouse of the Vice President, holds a significant platform and should exercise caution in his statements to ensure that they reflect the true meaning and historical context of the events he references.
Beyond this misstep, Emhoff has been a visible and supportive presence in the Biden-Harris administration. As the first-ever second gentleman in U.S. history, he has taken on the role with grace and dedication. He has spoken out about issues such as gender equality and mental health and has been actively engaged in initiatives aimed at promoting these causes.
Emhoff’s position as second gentleman represents a significant milestone in recognizing and appreciating the contributions of spouses in political roles. Traditionally overshadowed by their wives in the political sphere, second gentlemen have often played a more behind-the-scenes role. However, Emhoff has embraced his role as an advocate and has used his platform to amplify important issues and connect with individuals from various backgrounds.
His presence and active involvement in the administration serve as an inspiration and a reminder that spouses can play a crucial role in supporting their partners’ political careers. Emhoff’s commitment to promoting diversity, representation, and social causes is a testament to the influence and impact that individuals in these positions can have on society.
In conclusion, while Doug Emhoff’s Hanukkah post may have attracted criticism for its inaccuracies, it is important to recognize his overall contributions as the second gentleman. His misstep serves as a reminder of the need for accurate cultural representation, and he has since apologized for any confusion caused. As the first-ever second gentleman, Emhoff has taken on his role with dedication and has been actively engaged in promoting various causes. His presence in the Biden-Harris administration is a significant and inspiring step towards recognizing the contributions of spouses in political roles.
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