Tonight is the beginning of the Jewish holiday of
Hanukkah. Today the White House issued a statement from President Obama (
full text) sending warm wishes to all those celebrating the holiday. The statement says in part:
For the first time since the late 1800s – and for the last time until some 70,000 years from now – the first day of Hanukkah falls on Thanksgiving. It’s an event so rare some have even coined it "Thanksgivukkah." As we gather with loved ones around the turkey, the menorah, or both, we celebrate some fortunate timing and give thanks for miracles both great and small.
Like the Pilgrims, the Maccabees at the center of the Hanukkah story made tremendous sacrifices so they could practice their religion in peace.
