Help Light the World!

This Sunday marks the first night of Chanukah, the Festival of Lights!

Those of us who celebrate this holiday are acutely aware of the shadows cast by the darkness of antisemitism.

We’ve known the atrocities of this darkness, as well as the light, in the survivors, many of whom have courageously lived into their late 90s and beyond, raising families and contributing to society. They’ve endured, with the numbers burned into their arms, as a lifelong reminder of where they have been.

As a people, we have come here to study, to learn and hone our skills, and to be of service to humanity, as doctors, lawyers, teachers, and entertainers. But there are always those who twist the truth.

So what I wish for this Chanukah, is for each of you to be a candle of light. Use your wisdom and your words, acts, and deeds to light the candle of another, to spread the light, and snuff out the darkness that antisemitism brings.

You might read, The Tattooist of Auschwitz, written by Heather Morris, to understand the power of love as the driving force that moved survivors through the most unimaginable challenges. There is also the memoir of the 95-year old survivor, Dr. Edith Eva Eger, who eloquently wrote, The Choice: Embrace the Possible, as well as, The Gift: 14 Lessons to Save Your Life. These lessons apply to us all.

Please let us link arms and join hearts to light the world.

Stay enchanted.