A Chanukah Message from Nathan Posner
Atlanta Jewish Times' staff shares their community insights, advice and perspectives this year during Chanukah.
A rising sophomore at Georgetown University, Nathan plans to major in government and minor in film and media studies as well as statistics, hoping to eventually get into a career creating digital content for campaigns or covering them for the Atlanta Jewish Times and other media outlets.
Over the past six months, I have focused much of my time on the coverage of the Black Lives Matter movement and the November elections. I have been focused so heavily on the divisive events and people that often I forgot the common bonds we have.
As we approach the holiday of Chanukah, I can’t help but to think about how we, as Jews, approach civil rights as individuals. While surely both our collective past as an oppressed religious group and the experiences of hate so many of us have experience affects how we view others and their struggles, it is important to look at how we can individually help our fellow man.
Whether or not we are talking about the issues of African American struggles, or whatever issue facing the American public at such a divisive time, I think of how the menorah is lit. With one individual light, the light of all the candles are lit. As an individual, you can inspire action of those around just as the שמש lights the other candles.
Wherever you fall on the political spectrum or on any political issues, remember the effect you can have on others, both positive and negative. We have an obligation to not only think before we speak, but before we retweet, share or post as well; think about how others will be affected by your light.
Nathan Posner is a photojournalist and intern at the Atlanta Jewish Times, and a sophomore at Georgetown University studying government.
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