Menorah Lighting at the White House

President George W. Bush participates in the Menorah lighting at the White House with Rabbi Joshua Skoff [Park Avenue Synagogue in Cleveland] and members of the Skoff family, Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2005.  (White House Photo).

From the President’s remarks:

“Hanukkah begins later this month; it’s a time to remember the story of a miracle once witnessed in the holy temple in Jerusalem.  More than 2,000 years ago, the ancient land of Israel was conquered, and Jewish people were forbidden to pray, observe their religious customs, or study the Torah. In response, a patriot named Judah Maccabee led a revolt against the enemy army. Their numbers were small, yet their courage in defense of their faith was powerful — and they were triumphant.

“When the Maccabees returned to reclaim their holy temple, the oil that should have lasted only one day instead burned for eight days. During Hanukkah, Jews across the world signify this miracle by lighting the menorah. This act commemorates the victory of freedom over oppression, and of hope shining through darkness. Today, that light still burns in Jewish homes and synagogues everywhere. And, today, that light will burn here in the White House. . .

“The word "Hanukkah" and the Hebrew word for education both come from the same root word that means "to dedicate." And earlier today, I met with some of the leaders from our nation’s Jewish day schools. As educators who dedicate themselves to teaching the faith and to teaching, they are fulfilling the true lesson of Hanukkah every day of the year. Just as the Maccabees reclaimed their holy temple, these teachers help ensure that Jewish traditions are passed from generation to generation.”

President Bush welcomes Jewish educational leaders to a meeting Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2005 in the Roosevelt Room at the White House. The group will also be attending the White House Hanukkah Reception, Tuesday evening.  (White House photo).

UPDATE: Scott Johnson of Power Line attended the Hanukkah reception and reported it as “An Evening to Remember.” Worth reading in its entirety.

ANOTHER UPDATE: Richard Baehr has his own report in The American Thinker, and David Horowitz was there as well, and has posted his report at FrontPage Magazine. Together with Scott Johnson’s, these reports provide a remarkable perspective on this event.