Dear John,

This Hanukkah, as we light the candles, we bring much-needed warmth and hope into these darker days.

We light the hanukkiyah to recall the miracle of the oil that lasted for eight days. Perhaps the real miracle is not only that the oil lasted, but that the heroes of our Hanukkah story had faith that the light would continue to shine, and that they would overcome persecution to live in freedom.

Today, we must channel the resilience and faith of our ancestors as we stand with refugees and asylum seekers around the globe. As these refugees flee with so little, and contend with challenges and hostility along the way, we raise our voices in welcoming them to freedom.

May the glow of our collective hanukkiyot brighten the world.  

Wishing you a festive Hanukkah,