Hanukkah formally ends tonight as the sun goes down this evening. But it will always be appropriate for us as we gather to remind ourselves and the world of the meaning of this holiday.She also recited only two of the three traditional blessings over the Hanukkah candles, omitting the one praising God for commanding the lighting of Hanukkah candles-- since there is no commandment they be lit at the holiday's end.
UPATE: The White House has now posted the full text of the President's remarks to the second of the Hanukkah receptions. This one was attended by three Supreme Court justices, members of Congress, Israeli diplomats and others. The President's remarks were more substantive, weaving a defense of his Iran policy and a tribute to Nelson Mandela into a Hanukkah theme. At this reception, Hanukkah candles were lit by Rabbi Joshua Sherwin, a lieutenant in the United States Navy, who recited only one of the three blessings that are used during the holiday itself-- the shehecheyanu.