Dim and Dimmer
Hanukkah, according to Wikipedia:
“commemorates the ‘miracle of the container of oil’. According to the Talmud, at the re-dedication following the victory of the Maccabees over the Seleucid Empire, there was only enough consecrated olive oil to fuel the eternal flame in the Temple for one day. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days, which was the length of time it took to press, prepare and consecrate fresh olive oil.”
At the White House this year, the oil isn’t going to last quite that long [Hat Tip reader Judi]:
The White House’s forthcoming state dinner with the Prime Minister of India is expected to be larger than those of President Barack Obama’s predecessor, George W. Bush. But another upcoming White House event will be smaller than in years past: The White House’s annual Hanukkah party.
The guest list is expected to be shrunk by more than half, according to the Jerusalem Post. “Though several Jewish leaders expressed understanding for the economic and other reasons behind the cut, they acknowledged that it would likely help feed feelings in some quarters of the American Jewish community that the White House is giving them the cold shoulder.”
The move comes on the heels of Obama’s cancellation of an appearance before the General Assembly of North American Jewish Federations last week.
The White House’s decision is likely a response to tough economic times and a desire to keep the holiday festivities reasonable.
Hey, we understand. Everybody’s playing less golf these days, going out on fewer “date nights”. Well, almost everybody.
I wonder who this was intended to offend more, Jews or oil drilling advocates. If Sarah Palin were president, we’d have enough oil to light a billion menorahs for eight, nine, ten days—however long you want. And our policy toward Israel would be a whole lot friendlier.
Bloodthirsty Liberal said,
November 20, 2009 @ 1:01 pm
He seems to be thin-skinned and petulant. It is no secret that he is extremely unpopular in Israel (favorable rating running around 4% with a 3% + or - margin of error). Many American Jews that voted for him and supported him publicly are becoming vocally uncomfortable. This is our punishment, I guess.
- Aggie
Bloodthirsty Liberal said,
November 20, 2009 @ 1:45 pm
Well, Aggie, if he loses the Jewish vote, as well as women, independents, gays, Cindy Sheehan, and anyone making more than $40,000, maybe this president who made history can be history.
Bloodthirsty Liberal said,
November 20, 2009 @ 5:16 pm
And geezers! Once he guts Medicare to pay for the Death Panels, even the AARP won’t be able to save his ass.