Dec. 2026
Marion Zeller

The Jewish story is, in many ways, a story of resilience. Across generations, we have faced challenges, adapted to changing circumstances and found ways not only to survive, but to thrive. Yet if there is one quality that has defined the Jewish people throughout history, it is resilience.

Resilience is often described as the ability to recover from adversity, but for Jews it has always been something more. It is not simply about surviving challenges. It is about continuing to build, create, learn and contribute despite them.
Throughout history, the Jewish people have faced countless hardships. Empires have risen and fallen. Governments, rulers and ideologies that once seemed permanent have faded into history. Through it all, the Jewish people have remained. While there are many reasons for this enduring strength, I believe one of the most important is our tradition of questioning.

Judaism has never encouraged blind acceptance. From a young age, we are taught to ask questions, seek understanding and engage in debate. The Passover seder revolves around questions. The Talmud is built on discussion and differing viewpoints. In yeshivot around the world, students often study in chavruta pairs, wrestling with texts together, challenging assumptions and learning that truth is often discovered through dialogue rather than certainty. In synagogues, classrooms and around kitchen tables, questioning is not only welcomed, it is encouraged. These practices do more than strengthen Jewish learning; they teach us how to think critically, adapt and persevere when faced with life’s challenges.

This instinct to question does more than deepen our faith and understanding. It helps us become resilient.

When difficult events occur, our natural response is often emotional. We can feel overwhelmed, fearful or discouraged. Yet questioning allows us to pause and move from reaction to reflection. It helps us challenge assumptions, explore alternatives and search for solutions. Rather than remaining stuck in adversity, we begin to identify a path forward.
This ability to examine, debate and rethink has been woven into Jewish life for generations. It is one of the reasons our community continues to adapt and thrive in changing circumstances. Resilience is not about pretending challenges do not exist. It is about acknowledging them honestly while refusing to let them define us, particularly during times when Jewish communities face uncertainty and division.

At the same time, we can look to the example of Jewish communities around the world and see resilience in action. We see it in families who continue to celebrate Shabbat and holidays together. We see it in volunteers who dedicate their time to strengthening community organizations. We see it in educators who teach Jewish history and culture with passion and pride. We see it in young people who choose to engage rather than withdraw.

The encouraging news is that resilience is not simply something we either have or do not have. Like any skill, it can be strengthened over time. Resilience grows when we stay connected to community, maintain meaningful traditions, support one another and focus on what we can control rather than what we cannot. It develops through small, everyday actions: showing up when it would be easier to withdraw, engaging in difficult conversations, volunteering, learning and continuing to participate in Jewish life. Each of these choices helps build the confidence and adaptability that allow us to navigate challenges with greater strength.

Psychologists suggest that one of the most effective ways to build resilience is to challenge our initial reactions to adversity. By asking questions such as, “Is this thought accurate?” or “What actions can I take?”, we move from feeling powerless to feeling empowered. In many ways, this mirrors a deeply Jewish approach to life’s challenges. We have long understood that questioning is not a sign of weakness. Rather, it is often the first step toward understanding, growth and renewal.

As this article reaches you during Chanukah, the message of resilience feels especially timely. Each year we gather to light the menorah and retell the story of a small group of Jews who refused to let their identity, faith and traditions be extinguished. The miracle of Chanukah reminds us that even a single flame can push back darkness. Generation after generation, our people have carried that light forward. In many ways, resilience is our collective menorah, passed from one generation to the next, illuminating a path of hope, courage and renewal.

During my first few months with the Hamilton Jewish Federation, I have had the privilege of getting to know many members of our community and hearing their stories. Time and again, I have been struck by their resilience. Not because they are untouched by challenges, but because they continue to meet them with determination, pride and hope. The resilience I have witnessed in Israel, across Canada and here in Hamilton has been nothing short of inspiring.

Now is the time to rebuild confidence, strengthen Jewish identity and celebrate who we are. It is time to engage, learn, and support one another. By continuing to ask questions, learn from one another and stand together, we will ensure that the spirit of our community remains strong.

Chag Chanukah Sameach.