Vice president Joe Biden talks to Simmy Hershkop, 11, of Wooster, Ma., (left) and Basya Fogelman, 9, of Wilkes Barre, Pa, (right) after they read their winning essays on what Hanukkah means to them as they participate in the annual National Menorah Lighting during a ceremony marking the start of the celebration of Hanukkah, on the Ellipse near the White House in Washington, Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2014.