    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1996, Book II)]
    [December 5, 1996]
    [Pages 2169-2170]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Message on the Observance of Hanukkah, 1996
    December 5, 1996

        Warm greetings to everyone celebrating Hanukkah.
        In this season of joy, we remember the story of Judah Maccabee and
    his steadfast followers who freed Jerusalem from its oppressors and
    rededicated the Temple to God. Although they had only a small supply of
    consecrated oil with which to rekindle the temple's Holy Light, the
    courage and faith of the Maccabees were rewarded as the oil burned
    miraculously for eight days and eight nights until a new supply could be
    prepared.
        Today, more than two thousand years later, families around the world
    celebrate this Festival

    [[Page 2170]]

    of Lights by coming together in prayer, giving thanks to God for His
    many blessings, exchanging gifts, and lighting the eight candles of the
    menorah, one candle for each night that the sacred oil burned.
        Steeped in ritual and rich in meaning, Hanukkah imparts profound
    lessons to us: that faith in God can sustain us through any adversity;
    that peace ultimately comes to those who persevere; and that, just as
    the shammas passes its light to each candle in the menorah, so too must
    we share our hope and faith and joy with one another. In this way, we
    can ensure that the light kindled on that first Hanukkah so many
    centuries ago will continue to burn brightly for the generations to
    come.
        Hillary and I extend best wishes to all for a wonderful holiday
    celebration.

                                                                Bill Clinton