Give thanks, spread the light, do good everywhere

Paula Filler, Campaign Chair

The month of November, and Thanksgiving, in particular, has long been a harbinger of our race to the end of yet another year — and each year’s quicker passage. It means the change of seasons is more visible, even in our little corner of paradise. It means gathering with family and friends to give thanks for each other, for our blessings, and for all the very best things life in America makes possible.

As individuals and as families, we have much to be thankful for, despite whatever challenges we might face. We also have much to be thankful for as a community and as a people. We live in the most affl uent, cultured, educated, informed and free society in our history, not just as a people, but as a species. We are not a perfect community, or people, nor do we live in a perfect nation, but as Americans and as Jews, we understand we must play a role in perfecting our community, our nation and our world. It is our individual and collective responsibility.

This month, in addition to the Thanksgiving holiday, we will begin our celebration of Chanukah, which is itself a form of thanksgiving. In contrast to Thanksgiving, however, Chanukah is a celebration of freedom, of victory over oppression and of creating our own miracles through action in perfecting our world.

The common thread in both holidays for us, as Jews and as a Jewish community, is seeing ourselves as the agents of the change we want to see in our community, our nation and our world. We are not, and can never be, satisfied with blaming others, with lamenting our misfortunes, or remaining inert and silent when the rights of any single person or any group are compromised or threatened in any way.

We give thanks for what is good, but we also dedicate ourselves to being Here for Good, to making things better, to moving forward. The purpose of lighting an additional candle on each of the eight nights of Chanukah is to bring additional light into our hearts, our homes and our world.

Central to the Chanukah miracle is that, as Jews, we must never be afraid to speak out or stand up for what is right. Just like the eight lights of Chanukah, we must dedicate ourselves to building and sustaining community through our deeds and actions. We must participate in building and celebrating community, dedicate ourselves to the welfare of others, and create meaningful opportunities for Jews, whatever their age and wherever they live, by supporting the annual campaign.

A little light goes a long way. We light the Chanukah candles at dusk, as a beacon in the darkness, knowing no matter how dark it is outside, being Here for Good can transform the darkness into light. Your generous support of the 2022 Annual Community Campaign, Here for Good, does the same.

The members of Jewish Federation’s board of directors, campaign cabinet and staff wish you and all you love a Happy Thanksgiving and a Happy and Bright Chanukah!