As we enter this Shabbat and eagerly await the first night of Hanukkah on Sunday evening, our homes and our community will once again be illuminated by the small but determined flames of the menorah. Each candle we kindle reminds us that light is not simply something we see; it is something we create, choose, and carry into even the darkest of moments.
There is much commentary about the meaning of Hanukkah. For me, the most powerful teaching is the reminder that one small cruse of oil—something so little—miraculously lasted eight days. It teaches us that every one of us carries within us the power to ignite something far greater than our size.
Light, in Jewish tradition, has never been measured by wattage or intensity. It is measured by courage, especially during the darkest of times.
Last Thursday, our community gathered over 1,000 strong to hear from former hostage Eli Sharabi, whose strength and resilience embody that same ancient flame and the enduring power of that little cruse of oil. We are deeply grateful to our generous event sponsors—Ben Barokas, Melissa and Rob Bigelow, Judy Elbaum, Melissa and Lawrence Elbaum, The Jon Gordon and Jordana Horn Gordon Family, Trudy and Bob Gottesman, The Louise and Stuart Levine Family, Alex and Mindy Opper, The Regular Family, The Sacks Family, and The Wesly Family—whose support made this evening possible.
Eli, who has endured unfathomable loss and whose family remains at the center of this tragic story, does not deny the darkness. Instead, he stands in it by insisting it will not have the last word, and it will certainly not define him. As he shared with us, he is making a conscious choice to choose light and life every day, just as we do each Hanukkah.
Earlier that same day, we brought many hundreds of students from Golda Och Academy, Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School, and Gottesman RTW Academy together to meet with Eli. These young people listened with profound respect as he shared his story. Their questions, empathy, and remarkable maturity were themselves a form of light showcasing that the next generation is not only paying attention, but also ready to help carry both the burden and the hope of the Jewish people forward. Watching the teens surround Eli with love and care, hearing the pride in the singing of Hatikvah together, and learning about the lasting impact of that experience was a moving reminder that the chain of Jewish responsibility remains unbreakably strong.
And then, just yesterday, a devastating video was released of the six hostages, known as “the beautiful six”: Hersh Goldberg Polin, Eden Yerushalmi, Ori Danino, Alex Lobanov, Almog Sarusi, and Carmel Gat z”l—lighting Hanukkah candles in the tunnels beneath Gaza in December 2023, months before their brutal executions. A ritual meant for joy was transformed into an act of unimaginable bravery, strength, and courage. Even in captivity, surrounded by terror and darkness in those dank tunnels, they brought light into the depths of despair. These images are a heartbreaking testament to a Jewish spirit that refuses to be extinguished.
Every day, a spark of light guides our work at Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ. Even when hope feels distant, we are called to uncover and nurture that hidden light within ourselves and within our community because this is what Judaism teaches us to do.
This teaching is woven deeply into the work of our Federation each day. Our donors’ generosity brings real, sustaining light to our community by nourishing, protecting, uplifting, and connecting us. Because of you, the sparks of compassion and responsibility become bright flames of action: caring for the vulnerable; supporting our partners in Greater MetroWest NJ, in Israel, and around the globe; strengthening Jewish identity; responding to crisis; and standing by families like the Sharabis, who must know that the Jewish world holds them close.
Throughout the eight days of Hanukkah, through a social media campaign we will highlight these sparks of impact—eight stories of light, eight ways our community shines. Each day, we will lift up a different example of how Federation, powered by your generosity, brings hope, healing, and connection into the world.
If you have not yet made your contribution to our Federation’s UJA Annual Campaign, I hope these stories will inspire you to do so this Hanukkah. Your gift, of any size, adds another flame to our collective menorah. It ensures that the work we do together remains strong, resilient, and responsive, bringing light to Jews here at home and across the globe. Just as one small jar of oil illuminated eight nights, your generosity has the power to illuminate lives far beyond what you might imagine, touching every member of our Jewish community. Donate here now.
And, just as each Hanukkah candle is lit from another flame, never diminishing the first, our community’s light grows because each of you chooses to add your own. Together, you enable Federation to shine ready, reliable, and present wherever darkness threatens.
As we welcome Shabbat tonight and light our menorahs on Sunday, may we remember that light grows when we share it, hope expands when we refuse to let go of it, and miracles begin with small acts of kindness and courage, even in the deepest tunnels of despair.
May this Shabbat bring peace to our hearts, healing to our people, and renewed strength to bring more light into a world so urgently in need of it.
Shabbat Shalom and Chag Urim Sameach.