Jenna Leopold Shulman’s Chanukah Message for 2023
For our annual Chanukah issue, we asked members of our community to share their responses.
As we light the menorah this Chanukah, let us find strength and resilience in the face of adversity. These past months have been challenging. The Israel-Hamas war and increased antisemitism has cast a shadow, and we, as a community, have felt its impact.
In times like these, it’s essential to draw inspiration from the enduring spirit of the Maccabees, our ancestors who prevailed so long ago. Despite facing seemingly insurmountable odds, their determination and faith illuminated the darkest hours.
Likewise, we must unite as a community, supporting one another with unwavering compassion.
As we gather with loved ones to celebrate, let us extend our hearts to those directly affected by the recent events and all those suffering around the world. Now is a great time to reach out to neighbors, friends, and family with kindness and understanding. It is through these acts of compassion that we embody the true spirit of not only Chanukah but also of the Jewish culture.
Jenna Leopold Shulman is the CEO of JELF (Jewish Educational Loan Fund) and co-founder of juLuv, Atlanta’s free Jewish matchmaking service.
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