    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2002, Book II)]
    [December 4, 2002]
    [Page 2164]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks on Lighting the Hanukkah Menorah
    December 4, 2002

        Welcome. This is the sixth night of Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of
    lights. This holiday marks the victory of Jewish patriots over
    oppression more than two millennia ago. The menorah represents an
    ancient miracle, in which a lamp with only enough oil for one day burned
    eight.
        Each year, Hanukkah brings a message of hope--that light will
    overcome darkness, that goodness will overcome evil, and that faith can
    accomplish miracles.
        Today, the spirit of those early patriots lives in the lives of the
    state of Israel and throughout the Jewish community and among all brave
    people who fight violence and terror. We pray that this season of light
    will also be a season of peace for the Jewish people.
        We are joined this evening by the members of the Ramaz Chamber
    Choir. Ramaz is a modern orthodox Jewish day school in Manhattan, and
    we're grateful to the students for making the trip to join us today.
        I also want to thank Congregation Rodeph Shalom in Philadelphia for
    the use of this beautiful menorah. Founded in 1795, Rodeph Shalom was
    the first Ashkenazic congregation established in the Western Hemisphere.
        Lighting the menorah will be Daniella and
    Alexandra Wald from New York City. We welcome
    the girls here, and the honor is yours.

    Note: The President spoke at 5:20 p.m. in the Bookseller's Area in the
    East Wing at the White House.