BY BEVERLY STEIN

As we enter the month of December and prepare to celebrate Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, we are reminded of the profound symbolism that light holds in Jewish tradition. Chanukah is more than a commemoration of a miracle—it is a timeless call to illuminate the darkness with hope, resilience, and unity.

The light of Chanukah is not just physical. It represents the enduring spirit of the Jewish people, who have faced adversity throughout history and responded not with despair, but with determination and faith. It is a light that calls us to action—to stand up against injustice, to support one another, and to build a future rooted in compassion and strength.

This year, our community has faced many challenges. Our resolve has been tested by rising antisemitism, global unrest, and the ongoing need to support those affected by conflict and hardship. Yet, like the Maccabees, we have responded with courage. Through the work of the United Jewish Federation, we have mobilized resources, supported Israel, strengthened Jewish education, and provided aid to those in need—locally and globally.

We are especially grateful this Chanukah for the return of living hostages who were held in unimaginable circumstances. Their safe return is a miracle in its own right—a testament to perseverance and the unyielding commitment to protect and reunite our people. As we light the candles this year, we do so with renewed gratitude for their lives, and with prayers for healing, peace, and the return of the bodies to their loved ones who are still waiting for them.

Each candle on the menorah reminds us that light grows when shared. Every act of kindness, every donation, every moment of solidarity adds to the collective brightness of our community. Whether it's mentoring a young leader, volunteering, or simply showing up for one another, we each have the power to be a source of light.

As we gather with loved ones to celebrate Chanukah, let us reflect on the values that unite us: tzedakah (charity), chesed (kindness), and tikkun olam (repairing the world). Let us also reaffirm our collective responsibility to confront hatred and intolerance wherever they appear. Let us rededicate ourselves to these principles and carry the light of Chanukah into the new year.

From all of us at United Jewish Federation, we wish you a joyful Chanukah filled with warmth, meaning, and purpose. May the lights of the menorah inspire us to shine brighter together, and may our shared commitment to Jewish life—and to one another—continue to illuminate the path forward.