Hanukkah Begins with Lighting of National Menorah

AP ^ | December 7, 2004

[West Coast Conservative]

The Jewish feast of Hanukkah has begun with the lighting of the National Menorah on the Ellipse -- the park between the White House and the Washington Monument. Rabbi Levi Shemtov, a celebrant at the ceremony, says the menorah represents illumination, with an additional branch lit each night of the eight-day ceremony.

Hanukkah commemorates the Jewish victory over Greek oppressors almost 22-hundred years ago.

Rabbi Shemtov says the National Menorah, which stands near the National Christmas Tree, is about 30 feet tall -- as big as Jewish tradition allows.

In a White House message, President Bush says the menorah symbolizes "the triumph of faith over tyranny." He says Hanukkah is a time to thank God, remember American troops and their families and "pray that all who live under oppression will see their day of freedom."

[West Coast Conservative]

Menachem Felzenberg, center, with Rabbis Abraham Shemtov, left and Levi Shemtov, right, light the National Chanukah Menorah, at the Ellipse, near the White House, background right, during a lighting ceremony marking the beginning of the celebration of the Chanukah, Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2004, in Washington. Felzenberg's father U.S. Army Captain Shmuel Felzenberg is currently deployed in Iraq. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

[Johnny Allright]

Where's Adam Sandler with Hanukkah song.

[missyme]

Happy Hannukkah to all our Jewish Freeper Friends:

May the Lord Bless You, May the Lord Keep you May the Lord Shine his face upon you and give you his Peace!
Blessings All!
From Missy :)

[RBroadfoot]

Shouldn't it be called the "holiday candlestick" or something like that?

I'm offended! (NOT!)

[lightman]

I urge any who seek deeper appreciation of these holydays to find a Bible with the Apocryphal books and read 2 Maccabees, particularly the 6th chapter and following. What story of faith under fire and the triumph of religious conscience over tyranny!

[Polybius]

Where's Adam Sandler with Hanukkah song?

Does he still claim Winona Ryder?

[onedoug]

Judeo-Christian alliance bump!

[citizencon]

So, what are we supposed to call the Menorah now?

[UbonGhostrider]

Didn't the White House call our tree the National Holiday Tree?

[Bandaneira]

That's one hell of a Channukah Menorah.

Happy Channukah All !!!