By Cara Glickman
Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer
Every year, during these darker days of winter, I look forward to seeing the four or more Chanukah menorahs lit on our countertop. Each member of our family lights their favorite menorah, bringing light into our home. The joy that we can do this together as a group is felt strongly, and especially this year more light is needed in our world.
Whether it’s young professionals coming together for Shabbat dinners and social events, families uptown and downtown engaging in holiday learning and celebrations, or Shabbat and holiday worship featuring renowned speakers, I feel so proud that throughout the past year, our temple community has brought so many people together and, by being together, our collective light has been able to shine brighter.
Our temple is a convener in so many ways. Like the Chanukah story, where a small group came together to create a powerful collective impact, when we gather as a community we are making this world a better place. Through interfaith partnerships, Tikkun Olam projects, Gather small groups, our giving to the Fund for Emanu-El and the Philanthropic Fund, and teen leadership programs, we are stronger together.
As the darkness of the winter descends upon us, may we come together with our individual light to illuminate the world, making it brighter and stronger in the coming year.
