Tonight is the first night of Hanukkah, friends.

This evening, after the sun sets, my family will gather to honor the story of a miracle: the time when — against all odds — the smallest amount of oil lasted for eight nights, bringing light into the darkness in the ancient Temple.

The menorah pictured above is one my grandparents buried before the Holocaust and later retrieved, passing it down to my family to celebrate the festival of lights. As we light this menorah, we celebrate the values of hope, courage, and resilience — values that kept my grandparents and mom alive during the Holocaust.

The U.S. soldiers who liberated my grandmother and my mom, like the story of Hanukkah itself, brought light into the darkness. Growing up with this legacy, I grew up believing in America — the land of freedom and opportunity for all — and believing in hope, courage, and resilience, which are central to my faith.

My faith teaches me that "we don’t have the obligation to complete the work of repairing our world, but we are not free to desist from doing our part." As I do my part to bring light into darkness, I am guided by the wise words of Dr. King, "darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that; and hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that."

Friends, at its core, this movement we’re building is about hope, courage, and doing our part to repair the world. If you’re with us, I’d be honored to have your support today.

From my family to yours, chag Hanukkah sameach — happy Hanukkah — and may this holiday bring light into darkness for all of us.

— Phil

P.S. — This is also the season for delicious treats, like my grandmother’s rugelach, that I often enjoyed around Hanukkah. I hope you’ll join us for our upcoming virtual baking class on December 21, where I’ll share her recipe.