David Ostrowsky’s Chanukah Message for 2025

As I thought about my Chanukah reflection during my morning run, it dawned on me that this holiday season marks the fifth anniversary of the first December of the pandemic. Thinking back to the dark and lonely days of the COVID holiday season, when so many of us were separated from loved ones during what should be the most joyous days of the year, I felt a rush of gratitude.

Though there may be innumerable problems affecting society–locally, regionally, nationally, globally — at this hour, most of us can at least take solace in the fact that we are celebrating Chanukah and New Year’s with our family and friends in person. Five years ago, we were left wondering when we could enjoy our next “normal” holiday season. Now, in 2025, the pandemic-induced isolation and boredom have largely receded, but I think it’s important to remember that we faced such barriers to celebrations only five short years ago.

In this spirit, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for being able to celebrate the holiday season with my relatives and friends. I hope all our readers are able to experience similar joy in the coming days and weeks. The happiest of Chanukahs to everyone!

David Ostrowsky is the Sportswriter for Atlanta Jewish Times.