Rabbi’s Monthly Message

November 2025

Dear Coalition Community,

Hanukkah begins on December 14^th (Sunday) and continues for eight nights. The central theme of this minor holiday is Jewish sovereignty – we commemorate the independence of the Jewish nation and light our Menorot in windows and doorways to allow others to see the candles shining in the darkest time of the year. This ritual symbolizes, as described by Rabbi Rick Jacobs, symbolizes the open expression of our Jewish identity.

With the rise in Antisemitism and the very real threats against the Jewish community, it might seem like this year would be the year to keep our Menorah inside and hide that light from the rest of the world. The Talmud, Rabbi Jacobs notes, even allows for this in troubling times. And yet, during this moment there is perhaps no more important time to share our light with the world. In the midst of the darkness we must share our light with our family, our friends, and our community – people from all backgrounds and beliefs – to help us stay connected to one another and to keep us from isolation. In the face of rising aggression, we respond with outreach, courage, and pride.

Rabbi Jacobs finds inspiration from the prophet Isaiah, who reminds us to be a “light unto the nations.” It is our sacred obligation to spread the light that emanates from our Hanukkah candles specifically because it is a light of moral clarity and caring. Our values illuminate the path of our fight against Antisemitism, but also against racism, injustice, and violence. It is our affirmative obligation – Hanukkah calls us in to rededicate our efforts especially when it is challenging as a way of gathering collective strength for the tough journey ahead.

This season, I am deeply appreciative of my mentors, teachers, colleagues, and friends who are leaders in the search for justice and who are serving as lamps that illuminate an ever-darker world. May we each find people that inspire us to ignite our own flames of justice-seeking. And may the Hanukkah season ahead be a time that invites us into actions that advance the work of Jewish identity, the search for justice, belonging, and joy, and may we keep the lights burning in the years ahead.