Federation editorial

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November 2011
Gustavo Rymberg


Every Chanukah, we celebrate the miracle of a tiny jar of oil miraculously burning for eight days – the time needed for Judah Maccabee and his followers to rededicate the Holy Temple in Jerusalem after reclaiming it from the Greek army.
 
Chanukah is the perfect time to reflect on the power of what even a tiny miracle can do. 
 
This Chanukah, as we celebrate an ancient miracle, we turn to you to help us create everyday miracles right here at home. With your support, the Hamilton Jewish Federation is able to make an incredible impact on our community and help those in need.
 
It is with your gift to the Hamilton Jewish Federation that we can respond to those most affected by the pandemic. 
It is with your gift to the Jewish Federation that we can respond to hundreds of Hamiltonians now living with food insecurity.
 
For those who were in need before the pandemic, and the newly unemployed who no longer have the means to feed themselves or their families, the good you support helps stock Kosher food pantries with nutritious food and other urgently needed staples.
 
Because we are here, Holocaust survivors, who are at heightened risk of emotional distress and anxiety due to isolation, are getting the help they need. With your gift to the Hamilton Jewish Federation, we are able to make “well-being” calls, offer needed financial assistance, deliver hot Kosher meals, provide social workers, counseling, technology assistance and so much more to bring some comfort and relief to survivors. The good we do today helps alleviate the intensifying fears of Holocaust survivors, seniors, and other vulnerable members of our community. 
 
Our experience and partnerships – and your generosity – make us better equipped to confront the hideous face of antisemitism head on. Throughout our over 90-year history, the security and protection of our families, neighbours, and communities have always been a top priority. With your generous gift, you enable the good that we do: Coordinate with local law enforcement, promote safety training and offer much needed community resources. Your support of these programs, help us retain the right to live our lives as Jews and take part in Jewish learning and culture without fear. They safeguard us when we gather at shul, they protect us when we open our businesses and institutions and they reassure us when we send our kids to school.
 
We provide services, necessities and dignity to the most vulnerable among us. But we need your help. Your Chanukah gift will substantially add to the good we do for the ever-increasing number of individuals and families who need us now more than ever. 
 
With your help, we bring comfort to those living in isolation, sustenance to those living with hunger, and hope to those living with anxiety brought on by the pandemic and resulting economic recession. Your gift to the Jewish Federation of Hamilton received by Dec. 31, 2021 will make a huge impact. The good we do together will go a long way in the lives of so many.
 
Whether a new program at the retirement community or an educational seminar about social justice, your support of Jewish Federation allows us to make everyday miracles and to have a far-reaching and great impact on your life and the lives of those in our community. 
 
It is these contributions that help bring the community together. And that is why we ask for your support this holiday season as we are getting close to the end of our Annual Community Campaign. 
 
Your support helps ensure flourishing Jewish communities for years to come. The generosity of people like you enables us to connect our younger generations to Jewish community and develop the next wave of Jewish leadership as well.
 
Hamilton Jewish Federation works to ensure that we all feel welcome and secure in the Jewish community. And that is made possible by your support this Chanukah. 
 
Your gift helps us make miracles — creating programming and improving existing supports that maintain the vitality of the Jewish community. 
 
Your gift helps us take care of those in need: such as enabling our more vulnerable seniors to live with greater comfort and dignity, as well as helping hundreeds of our less fortunate community members who are still struggling to get back on their feet. We provide services, necessities and dignity to the most vulnerable among us. But we need your help. Your Chanukah gift will substantially add to the good we do for the ever-increasing number of individuals and families who need us now more than ever. 
 
As we continue to address the pressing issues of these unprecedented times, our mission to do good has taught us what it takes—It takes you. Your support of Jewish social, health, and economic struggles is needed. Please do good today at jewishhamilton.org/2022-donate.
 
This  Chanukah, as you light your menorah and reflect on the miracles of the past, we ask you tohelp us make miracles today!