Feeling the love of Chanukah

From where I sit, adjacent to the United States Capital, I feel a lot of love this Chanukah. This is a company town, and the company is politics but that is not what I am involved with.

This year, through my work with a Jewish non- profit, I have been involved in setting up kosher pantries (bikur cholim rooms) in local hospitals. I have collaborated with some truly wonderful individuals in senior leadership, chaplaincy, and hospital staff. Without exception, everyone has been warm, welcoming, and genuinely excited to support Jewish patients and caregivers. They have paid attention to the smallest details, such as installing lights without motion sensors to ensure that even the most observant Jews feel comfortable. This week, they partnered with us to promote Chanukah celebrations and candle lighting ceremonies in public areas of the hospitals.

I am sharing this because I know many do not feel this warmth, and I want to offer a window into my personal experiences to provide hope, as well as to offer an ear to those of us who have had other positive experiences but may not have had the chance to share them.

Earlier this year, I had a conversation with a leader of a major Jewish organization who encouraged a group I was with to express his belief that there is much positivity surrounding the Jewish community in different corners of the United States. I shared some of my experiences with him and promised to continue spreading the word. That is exactly what I’ve been striving to do.

One of my daughters mentioned that this Chanukah, she plans to focus on noticing the everyday miracles—the kind we often overlook. I am trying to follow her lead. For me, the level of care and compassion I have witnessed from people in healthcare settings this past year for people of all faiths is precisely that—an easily overlooked miracle. It could feel routine- isn’t this supposed to be what people running healthcare institutions should do? Provide the best care for all. That is ideally true, but the way I have seen it delivered, with so much respect and genuine concern, is the miracle.

Even in a climate that loudly encourages political and social divisions, I see people coming together in quiet, meaningful ways for the benefit of all. We need to do more than notice it though. We need, each in our way, in our own corners, to contribute to it as much as possible in 2025. Amplifying the positive  is one place to start.

Wishing everyone a happy new year.