Dear {{first_name}},
Every Sunday in high school I rolled out of bed around 8:00 a.m. and made my way over to a local school for track practice. This became a place I grew to both love and disdain, but either way it was an important part of my years growing up. This week, I was shocked to see this same high school featured on the news and throughout my social media feed, paired with the headline starting, “Antisemitic Graffiti found on…”
I felt numb, my heart sinking as I witnessed the words “Jews Not Welcome” scribbled on the front sign of the school. How could it be that the place where 80+ runners from my Jewish Day School relied on would have these words across it? It felt impossible, but the more I read into the story, the more I realized I couldn’t deny this reality.
More frequently I’ve been seeing stories of antisemitic graffiti and other crimes targeted toward Jews. When this devastating event occurred in a location I felt was mine, the feelings of disappointment, sadness and confusion were magnified. One feeling I did not have, though, was fear. If I let fear take over, if I avoided that same high school in the future, then the graffiti would have done its job. After taking time to breathe and process the moment, I turned my heart toward a feeling of pride. Pride in an identity I believe is integral to who I am, and pride in the work that I do.
Right now, we’re in the midst of celebrating the delightful holiday of Hanukkah. It’s a holiday filled with many fun traditions - eating delicious latkes, giving gifts to loved ones, lighting the hanukiyah. This holiday season, I believe it’s especially pertinent to not just partake in the traditions, but to turn my heart to one element in particular - Pirsumei Nisah or “publicizing the miracle.”
Pirsumei Nisah instructs us to light our hanukiyah and display it in a way that brings attention to it, such as keeping it outside or by our window. When I choose to display my hanukiyah, I am proving that I’m willing and able to promote the spiritual vitality of the Jews. I’m proving that the Syrian-Greeks, who tried to assimilate the Jews under the reign of Antiochus, cannot win. I’m showing that whoever tried to scare me away from the high school track, will not prevent me from going there again, and will not stop our school from holding practice there.
We must all take it upon ourselves to publicize the miracle this year. We must remain proud of our Jewish identity, meaning we are excited to show our Jewish identity. My hanukiyah is a celebration of who I am, and of the Jewish community to which I belong. I ask you to join me in showing the light that we will never stop bringing to the world.
Shabbat Shalom & Chag Hanukkah Sameach,
Hilary Druckman
Director of Programming and Community Engagement
