I send greetings to all those celebrating Hanukkah, the
festival of lights.
During Hanukkah, Jewish people everywhere honor the liberation of
Jerusalem and the great miracle witnessed in the Holy Temple more than
2,000 years ago. After Jerusalem was conquered by an oppressive king and
the Jews lost their right to worship in freedom, Judah Maccabee and his
followers courageously set out to reclaim Jerusalem from foreign rule.
Though their numbers were small, the Maccabees' dedication to their
faith was strong, and they emerged victorious. When they returned to
their Holy Temple for its rededication, the Maccabees discovered enough
oil to burn for only one day. Yet the oil lit the Holy Temple for eight
days, and the light of hope still shines bright in Jewish homes and
synagogues throughout the world.
Each year, the glow of the menorah is a reminder of the blessings of
a just and loving God and the sacrifices made over the centuries for
faith and freedom. Laura and I pray that this holiday season will be a
time of happiness in every home and a time of peace throughout the
world.
Happy Hanukkah.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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