“Miracles sometimes occur, but one has to work terribly hard for them,” — Dr. Chaim Weizmann, Israel’s first President and Founder, Weizmann Institute.

This year has brought a lot of darkness, uncertainty and suffering. But what if we each took a moment to remind ourselves of the light each one of us adds to the world? You are the light for your family and friends. You help them in times of need and comfort them in times of uncertainty. As we get ready to celebrate Chanukah, you can be that light for your extended Jewish family as well – including the individuals and families who urgently need your help now more than ever locally, in Israel and in 70 countries around the world. Through our work together, we can make miracles happen.

As a result of the pandemic, millions of people now face full-blown financial emergencies. Many of them, including those living here in the Lehigh Valley, are struggling to meet their most basic needs. I encourage you to be a light for those who thought they’d never have to rely on food pantries to feed their families – but now do.

Federation-supported initiatives help make the world a better and brighter place, made possible by community efforts and donations. From caring for those in need to inspiring the next generation of young leaders, our campaign showcases the many ways  Federation-backed programming, and our community members, bring light to the world.  Through our work together, we can make miracles happen.

Please help make this Festival of Lights one that brings relief to those living in fear, sustenance to those living with hunger and hope to those most affected by the ongoing pandemic and economic recession.

This Chanukah, we ask you, our generous community members, to add your light by making a generous gift to Federation. 

Through the end of the year, we have an exciting opportunity made possible by national philanthropists through the Jewish Federations of North America. They have set up a Human Services Relief Fund in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. All increased donations to the 2021 campaign, all new gifts and all donors who haven’t made a gift in at least 18 months will be matched by 50%.  Through our 2021 Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs, funds will be provided to help our local agencies and synagogues with additional resources for:

•  Emergency financial aid
•  Increased food assistance, including the expansion of pantries, grocery gift card and meal programs
•  Mental and physical health and safety
•  Community stability, including emergency operating support and professional expertise for local Jewish human service and educational agencies

This Chanukah, you are a light that heals. You are a light that brings relief to those in times of need. Thank you in advance for your generosity and for being the light that helps to make miracles happen. Chag Urim Sameach!