Reflections On Hanukkah

[Congressional Record: December 17, 2005 (Senate)]


Mr. FRIST: Mr. President, a very brief comment on this time of year,
with a few reflections on a very special time--Hanukkah.

Earlier this year, I had the opportunity, once again, to visit the
State of Israel. I say without reserve, the land of Israel touches my
soul. It does so when you are there and you have that opportunity to
visit the Old City, to visit the Western Wall.

I took the opportunity to meet with Israelis from all walks of life,
visiting several of the hospitals there, and visiting my professional
colleagues in medicine. I came to appreciate even more deeply the 4,000
years of distinct and vibrant Jewish culture, as well as the Jewish
people's hopeful triumph over adversity and persecution.

So now, as Jews all over the world begin to prepare for the
celebration of Hanukkah, which this year begins on December 25, I
invite my colleagues to reflect on its meaning and its relevance to the
continuity of Jewish culture and survival.

The First Book of Maccabees, a venerated ancient text, tells the
story of a revolt against a tyrant, the King Antiochus. King Antiochus
was a tyrant, a cruel leader, who attempted to outlaw the practice of
Judaism, to forbid the study of Torah, and to compel, to force the
worship of idols.

Joined by corrupt politicians in the land of Judea, he succeeded for
a time. Eventually, however, a popular uprising, led by a group who
called themselves the Maccabees--and that translates into ``hammer''--
expelled his forces and reclaimed the Temple that became the center of
the Jewish faith.

Upon entering the desecrated Temple, Jewish soldiers and priests
discovered that the eternal flame within had extinguished. The last
stores of oil, those last little bits of oil, would only keep the lamp
lit for a single day.

They lit the lamp with the oil that was left, and then something
miraculous happened. According to the ancient writings, instead of
burning down, the lamp oil continually filled and refilled and
refilled, and the light in the Temple burned for 8 full days.

One can think of this story of faith and perseverance as truly
emblematic of the Jewish journey. Just as, by God's grace, the lamp was
continually filled, continually replenished, so, too, has the Jewish
culture continued to thrive.

In honor of the rededication of the Temple and the Miracle of the
Lights, Jews all over the world celebrate Hanukkah by lighting a
Menorah and drawing their families close.

Children play games and exchange gifts and, as every Jewish family
knows, potato latkes and donuts cooked in oil are holiday favorites.

As those of us who are Christian celebrate the birth of Jesus this
Christmas, let us also reflect on the story of Hanukkah and the ways in
which the Almighty touches our daily lives.

I do wish my fellow Americans of the Jewish faith a happy Hanukkah
and a safe, prosperous holiday season.