Renee Kutner’s Chanukah Message for 2025

It’s hard to believe it’s already December and Chanukah is almost here. Around this time of year, I always find myself thinking about a song I loved as a little girl; its message has stayed with me: each of us is a small light, but together we are a strong light.

I see that light in so many different corners of Jewish Atlanta.

I see it in the light of caring: in the twinkle in the eye of a resident at the Jewish Home when someone comes just to visit; in the new smile of a person treated at the Ben Massell Dental Clinic; in the lit-up faces of brand-new parents who finally have a child with the help of the Jewish Fertility Foundation.

I see it in the light of Jewish learning and growth: in the beam of a first grader who has just received their first siddur; in the joy of a middle schooler reunited with a camp friend after eleven long months apart; in the sense of awe on a high school graduate’s face during a gap year in Israel, standing at the Kotel and feeling part of something much bigger.

I see it in the light of global connection: in the spark when an Atlanta student connects with one of our Schoenbaum Shinshinim; in the wonder of a young adult visiting Israel for the first time on a RootOne summer trip or on Birthright; in the relief of a homebound elderly woman in Belarus when a caregiver visits and she knows the world has not forgotten her.

I see it in the light of Jewish home and neighborhood life: Shabbat candles kindled because a family received PJ Library books; neighbors gathering for a Shabbat dinner made possible by a Gather Grant; young adults lighting candles at a Moishe House dinner in a small apartment that suddenly feels like a holy space.

And I see it in the light of courage and security: in the way we continue to show up strong to synagogues, schools, and other Jewish spaces, refusing to let fear of antisemitism dim our Jewish pride.

Each of these moments is a single small light. Together, they make our community shine. As you shop for gifts and plan your celebrations this Chanukah, I hope you’ll think about one more light you can add, kindness, connection, a bit of tzedakah, or a simple show of support, to help our shared flame burn even brighter.

Renee Kutner is President & CEO, Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta.