A Chanukah Message from Sasha Heller

This year, Chanukah is unlike any in recent memory. For myself, it’s not necessarily about the Festival of Lights, spinning dreidels or eating latkes. It’s not about remembering the miracle of the oil lasting for eight nights thousands of years ago. It’s about remembering the miracle that the Jewish people are still alive today and that our community is stronger than ever, even in the face of rising antisemitism.

We will not cower to ignorant brutes! We will not wither in the face of pure evil!

In defiance, in unity and in strength, we will shine our light, bolder and brighter than ever! We have been here for thousands of years and we ain’t going anywhere anytime soon.

This Chanukah, do what you must to be bolder and brighter. Light your menorah with a flamethrower. Hang a disco ball at your latke party. Be Jewish. Super-Jewish. So Jewish that even Kanye can’t deny our virtue (or take credit for it).

Happy Chanukah to the entire Jewish community, and an even happier Chanukah to the ones who are trying to stand in our way.

Sasha Heller is the copy editor and web editor for Atlanta Jewish Times.