My First Chanukah in The Villages

After their miraculous victory over the Greek Hellenistic king, Antiochus, the Maccabees searched the Jewish people’s ransacked temple as they sought to rekindle the holy menorah, yet all they found were just a few drops of pure oil. That should have been the end of their story. Yet, something incredible happened. Those drops of oil lasted eight whole days, making the seemingly impossible, possible. A true miracle for the ages!

Every year when we celebrate Chanukah, I recount the miraculous story to my children to demonstrate that all it takes is one small flame to illuminate even the darkest of rooms. Perhaps over the last two years, this metaphor is more pertinent than ever before. After so much darkness in our world, this Chanukah, I feel grateful to light the chanukiah once more surrounded by friends and family. Yet this year, it will take on a new meaning as I will be spending my first Chanukah in The Villages together with new and old friends alike.

As Jewish National Fund-USA’s Israel Emissary to The Villages, it is a great honor to represent a cause that so many of you care just as deeply about as me. From supporting children in Israel with disabilities to investing in water Research & Development, medical centers, afforestation, and so much more, The Villages community helps the world in so many ways through Jewish National Fund-USA.

Although my children will not be joining me as I light the Chanukiah in The Villages, I know that I will still be able to feel their light and love all the way from Israel.

Oren Hefez is Jewish National Fund-USA’s Israel Emissary to The Villages, FL. To join Oren for a special symbolic lighting of the Chanukiah on December 6, email ohefez@jnf.org