A Chanukah Message from Kyra Goldman

I have only been celebrating Chanukah for a few years since I came to Judaism as an adult. I didn’t grow up keeping Chanukah traditions, so I may not have the same nostalgic feeling about sufganiyot and dreidels that others do, but I have certainly been enjoying making these traditions a part of my life now. It is a blessing to get to discover the ancient things that hold new meaning for me.

I have already made sweet memories. For my first Chanukah, a friend sent me eight presents in the mail. I felt the love that went into making each night special for me. This year I celebrated what we called “Friendsgivingkkah” with a few friends on the first night. We ate Thanksgiving foods and latkes and lit our chanukiyot together. Now, as I watch the candles burn down, I think about our history and survival and how we are living miracles. I think about the importance of kindness and being lights in this world. I certainly think about my deep connection to Israel, and I think of you all, and how grateful I am to be part of such a warm and supportive community.

Kyra Goldman is the administrative coordinator at the Atlanta Jewish Times.