Hanukkah begins with lighting of National Menorah
WASHINGTON 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."
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