Jewish Leadership Then and Now: Olami Lighting The Flame of Jewish Identity

It was over 2,000 years ago that Mattityahu cried out, “Mi La’Hashem Eilaiy” – “Those who are for G-d, to me.” Yet, his words ring as true today as they did then. Faced with mass assimilation, Mattityahu rallied the Maccabees by inviting them to stand with him. He didn’t lecture from afar or command from a pedestal. He stood next to them, shoulder to shoulder, calling them to be part of something greater—a collective mission to preserve their faith and identity. 

That is the essence of true Jewish leadership: inviting people to join you, not preaching from a distance. 

The story of Chanukah resonates deeply with me. It’s not just a tale of survival; it’s a story about securing a future with an unbroken chain of Jewish identity. Confronted by a Greek culture that said Judaism wasn’t relevant anymore, the Maccabees stood their ground, defying the odds and inspiring others to do the same.

Throughout history, Jewish leaders have understood that preserving our legacy depends on personal connections—on passionate individuals who deeply believe in the beauty and strength of Judaism and invite others to engage with them. It’s about walking the path of life together, forging bonds that inspire and empower along the way. 

These connections are the antidote to assimilation, and the reason I’ve devoted the past 20 years of my life to Jewish outreach and education on campuses and cities across the world. This mission is at the heart of Olami, a global organization dedicated to building Jewish identity and ensuring Jewish continuity. Like Mattityahu rallying his people to reclaim their faith, Olami’s educators and mentors are modern-day Maccabees, igniting sparks of Jewish pride and connection, consistently stepping up and saying, “Mi La’Hashem Eilaiy.” 

This commitment was beautifully illustrated in a recent story that shows the lengths Olami leaders go to ensure their students feel supported: A young man from the tiny Jewish community in Tucumán, Argentina was traveling to New York and he had a stopover in Buenos Aires that spanned Shabbat. With his first flight landing just an hour before Shabbat and his connecting flight scheduled an hour after it ended, the young man was stuck spending Shabbat in the airport. Rather than let him face it alone, the local Olami rabbi left his own family in Tucumán, boarded the same flight, and spent 25 hours with his student in the airport. Together, they prayed, sang, and shared Shabbat meals in the middle of the bustling terminal. 

The rabbi’s selfless actions turned what could have been an isolating and difficult experience into a moment of shared connection and tradition. This is the power of deep, personal relationships. This is how we, as a nation, thrive. 

By walking alongside Olami students—whether through trips to Israel that bring the Jewish homeland to life, mentorship programs that provide guidance and support, or online communities that connect Jews across the globe—Olami educators embody the essence of true Jewish leadership. Like the Maccabees, we’re taking a stand—one Shabbat, one conversation, one connection at a time. 

This Chanukah, when you light your menorah in your window, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect. Think about the miracles of the past, the oil that burned longer than anyone expected, like the Jewish People who have lasted longer than anyone expected. But also think about the miracles happening today—the people, like that rabbi in Tucumán, who dedicate themselves to keeping Judaism alive and thriving. And now, think about your own role in this story. What can you do to ignite that flame for the next generation? 

Let’s invite others to celebrate with us for a stronger, more connected Jewish future.

Chanukah Sameach!