Jenna Leopold Shulman's Chanukah Message for 2024

For our Chanukah holiday issue, we invited members of our community to share their responses.

The Gift of Education: A Chanukah Reflection from JELF

For many, Chanukah is a time of giving and receiving. At JELF, we are in the gift-giving business year-round, offering the gift of higher education to Jewish students who need financial support to achieve their dreams. Just as the lights of the menorah bring illumination to our homes during Chanukah, the work of JELF helps light the way for Jewish students to reach their educational goals.

As we celebrate this Chanukah season, we’re grateful for the opportunity to support Jewish students and their families, helping them overcome financial barriers to education. The more educated our community becomes, the better equipped we are to fight antisemitism and ensure a future where Jewish voices are heard and respected. And just as Chanukah reminds us of the power of small acts that add up to something greater, every contribution to JELF makes a lasting impact on the lives of the students we serve.

This holiday season, as you gather with loved ones, we invite you to consider the gift of education—one that lasts a lifetime. Wishing you all a joyful, light-filled holiday season!

Jenna Leopold Shulman is the Chief Executive Officer of Jewish Educational Loan Fund.