Tuesday, December 13, 2005

President Bush showed a lack of sensitivity and judgment when he commemorated Hanukkah by lighting candles on Dec. 6 at the White House.

Hanukkah does not begin this year until sundown on Dec. 25. While this may not be a convenient date for the president to commemorate a Jewish holiday, would he hold the White House Easter egg roll 19 days before Easter or light the Christmas tree at the Pageant of Peace 19 days earlier than scheduled?

The lighting of the candles should have been scheduled when appropriate, not when convenient.

TOM SACHS

Alexandria