"Hanukkah Bush"

Here is the invitation to the annual White House Hanukkah party that the Bush family sent to America's Jewish leaders.



You might note a Clydesdale delivering the traditional "Hanukkah Tree" to a White House festooned from top to bottom in "Hanukkah wreaths". The wagon is also appropriately inscribed with a Hanukkah text sacred to Jews the world over: "White House Christmas Tree 2008".

Here is another shot of the scene, from the rear.



Did I hear anyone say "horse's ass"? How about "jive honky"? This incident once again affirms the abundant sensitivity and charm that George W. Bush brings to his dealings with non-Christian minorities, whether domestically or in Iraq, Guantanamo, wherever.

When contacted about the gaffe, a White House spokesman said that separate cards are usually printed, but in the waning days of the presidency there had been an oversight. "Mrs. Bush is apologetic. It is something that just slipped through the cracks."

As the current administration is fundamentally clueless, they probably do not realize this mistake inadvertently points out a wrinkle of Jewish assimilation in America. Certain families purchase a tree during the holiday season so that their children, inundated with Christmas cheer and Christmas carols, do not feel isolated or deprived of the gift giving tradition. While these families typically celebrate Hanukkah, the eight day Festival of Lights, with a menorah and candles, the Christmas paraphernalia is added as a secondary characteristic of the season. And the tree brought into the Jewish household is often waggishly referred to as a "Hanukkah bush".



So what will "Hanukkah Bush" serve the Jewish dignitaries who attend his fete? Since ham, bacon and lobster are decidedly not kosher, might I suggest chicken? or perhaps some lame duck?