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WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Joe Biden says Hanukkah is about the miracle of courageous warriors overcoming great odds to protect their people's culture and dignity.
Biden is marking the start of the Jewish holiday by observing the lighting of the national menorah. A trio of cantors sang Hanukkah songs as a rabbi lit the giant menorah near the White House.
Biden says Jewish heritage is American heritage.
Jews mark each of the eight days of Hanukkah by lighting candles on a menorah, or candleholder. The national menorah has been lit in front of the White House every year since 1979, when President Jimmy Carter attended the first lighting.
Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Temple by the Maccabees after their victory over the Syrians. The holiday started Tuesday.
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