In the East Wing of the White House, President Bush presided over the lighting of a menorah on the fourth night of the holiday. “The word Hanukkah means dedication, and the message of Hanukkah calls on us to dedicate ourselves to recognizing the miracles in our daily lives,' Bush said to a few dozen gathered guests.
“This dedication has the power to lift our souls and to make us better people, and to make the world a better place.' Bush also met earlier in the day in the White House with Jewish leaders." (AP, 12/19/06) (Reported by: Intercessors for America)
Here is the full text of the President's Hanukkah message:
"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
