President Barak Obama has sent Hanukkah wishes to the Jewish community in the United States. For the first time in since the 1800s the first day of Hanukkah falls on Thanksgiving. This is an event so rare that it has been coined, ‘Thanksgivukka.’
President Obama’s Hanukkah wishes were released throught the White House press office. In it he sends his wishes to American jews but also expresses his hope for a safe and secure Isreal. “ the Jewish Temple was cleansed and consecrated, and the oil that was sufficient for only one day lasted for eight. As the first Hanukkah candle is lit, we are reminded that our task is not only to secure the blessing of freedom, but to make the most of that blessing once it is secure…In that spirit Michelle and I look forward to joining members of the Jewish community in America, in the State of Israel, and around the world as we work together to build a future that is bright and full of hope. “
USA Today is reporting that this is the first time that Hannukah has fallen on Thanksgiving since the 1880s. It won’t happen again for another 70,000 years.