[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 48 (Monday, December 2, 2002)]
[Pages 2098-2099]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Message on the Observance of Hanukkah, 2002

November 26, 2002

    I am pleased to send greetings to everyone celebrating Hanukkah, the 
festival of lights.
    For eight days and nights, Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of 
the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and the ancient story of Israel's 
courageous faith. In a victorious struggle against their oppressors, the 
Maccabees heroically overcame enormous odds to liberate the ancient 
kingdom of Israel. Hanukkah reminds us that faith can give us the 
strength to overcome oppression. Today, the spirit of the Maccabees 
continues to live and thrive among the Jewish people and in the State of 
Israel.
    During the eight days of Hanukkah, Jews throughout the world gather 
with family and friends to rejoice and celebrate. Each night, they light 
a branch of the menorah to commemorate the miracle of the lamp that, 
with only enough oil for one day, burned in the ancient Temple for eight 
days. The festival of lights culminates on the eighth night when all the 
candles burn in unity, symbolizing the

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eternal light of the Temple and the long-standing struggle of the Jewish 
people against adversity.
    Americans join in thanking God for our blessings and renew our 
commitment to the values of faith, family, and community that make us 
strong. The candles of Hanukkah remind us that in the face of darkness, 
goodness will prevail.
    Laura joins me in sending our best wishes for a joyous Hanukkah.

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