Remarks by President Obama at White House Hanukah Reception
(December 8, 2011)
The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
Well, good evening, everybody. Welcome to the White
House. Thank you all for joining us tonight to celebrate Hanukkah --
even if we're doing it a little bit early.
I want to start by recognizing a few folks who are here. The ambassador
to the United States from Israel, Michael Oren, is in the house.
We are honored to be joined by one of the justices of the Supreme Court,
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is here. We are thrilled to see her. She's
one of my favorites, I got to -- I've got a soft spot for Justice Ginsburg.
And we’ve got more than a few members of Congress here and members
of my administration in the house, including our new Director of Jewish
Outreach, Jarrod Bernstein is here. Where's Jarrod? Hey, Jarrod.
I also want to thank the West Point Jewish Chapel Cadet Choir -- the
Voice of Tradition -– for their wonderful performance, but more
importantly, for their extraordinary service to our country.
And I want to thank all the rabbis and lay leaders who have come far
and wide to be here with us today.
Now, as I said, we’re jumping the gun just a little bit. The
way I see it, we’re just extending the holiday spirit. We're stretching
it out. But we do have to be careful that your kids don’t start
thinking Hanukkah lasts 20 nights instead of eight. That will cause
some problems.
This Hanukkah season we remember a story so powerful that we all know
it by heart -- even us Gentiles. It’s a story of right over might,
of faith over doubt. Of a band of believers who rose up and freed their
people and discovered that the oil left in their desecrated temple –
which should have lasted only one night – ended up lasting eight.
It’s a timeless story. And for 2,000 years, it has given hope
to Jews everywhere who are struggling. And today, it reminds us that
miracles come in all shapes and sizes. Because to most people, the miracle
of Hanukkah would have looked like nothing more than a simple flame,
but the believers in the temple knew it was something else. They knew
it was something special.
This year, we have to recognize the miracles in our own lives. Let’s
honor the sacrifices our ancestors made so that we might be here today.
Let’s think about those who are spending this holiday far away
from home – including members of our military who guard our freedom
around the world. Let’s extend a hand to those who are in need,
and allow the value of tikkun olam to guide our work this holiday season.
This is also a time to be grateful for our friendships, both with
each other and between our nations. And that includes, of course, our
unshakeable support and commitment to the security of the nation of
Israel.
So while it is not yet Hanukkah, let’s give thanks for our blessings,
for being together to celebrate this wonderful holiday season ...
Thank you very much, everybody.
Sources: The
White House |