A Chanukah Message from Dr. Terry Segal

This prompt conjures images of Jews putting multiple menorahs in the windows to combat the darkness of rising antisemitism. With more stores carrying Chanukah-themed merchandise, some will boldly decorate their homes and post on social media the message that we’re here and unafraid.

But there are those who are fearful, keeping menorahs out of their windows, diminishing traditions, and even allowing their children to participate in mainstream Christmas celebrations to “fit in and not call attention” to themselves.

The fear is real. According to the Anti-Defamation League, which tracks antisemitic behavior nationwide, “there were 2,717 incidents in 2021, a 34 percent rise from the year before. Jews are less than 2 percent of the U.S. population, but 60 percent of the faith-oriented hate crimes target Jewish communities across the country.”

Fear, loss of hope, and feelings of powerlessness can lead to depression, the decrease in our Jewish population, and the snuffing out of the internal flame. Action, conversely, can re-ignite that flame and be used to light it in others, Jews, and non-Jews alike.

Jonathan Greenblatt, ADL CEO, states, “The demonization of Jews, of Israel, of Zionism is not a Jewish problem. It’s an American problem.” He believes we all need to call out antisemitism when we see it, and take action against the big platforms, such as Amazon, for profiting from it.

When you type in “Hebrew,” on the Amazon search bar, antisemitic products such as “Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America” appear at the top, as well as “vicious, hateful propaganda” promoting “antisemitism and Holocaust-denying,” according to Greenblatt.

Let’s continue to celebrate our traditions and become bold enough to write letters and unite with people who seek greater peace and unity to educate and illuminate our world.

Dr. Terry Segal is a licensed psychotherapist, Ph.D. in Energy Medicine, author, and mixed-media artist.