“Although most of us think of the Festival of Lights as a warm, unifying holiday, historically, Hanukkah involved civil war between Hellenized and non-Hellenized Jews. Records from that era, in the 2nd century BCE, describe violent confrontations between the Maccabees and their fellow Jews who had embraced Greek paganism. Later, rabbinic Judaism reshaped the story to focus on possibility, on miracles and on shared Jewish identity. This year, it is especially important to embrace that reframing.

Like all groups in the United States, Jewish Americans have differing opinions on moral questions and on a vision for society. However, if there is something that we must learn from the convergence of antisemitism on the right and on the left, it is that buying into the polarization of American politics is calamitous for American Jews. The notion that either Democrats or Republicans will be our salvation is a mistake.

It is a mistake for utilitarian reasons: Each political party is dynamic, and both are susceptible to antisemitic manipulation.

We lose power as a people when we are bitterly divided among ourselves. Instead, we need Jews to be active—and to advocate for Jewish concerns—in both parties. We need to be able to reach across the aisle to one another, seeking help and addressing issues that impact our community together. Additionally, Jews must be able to criticize their own party, rather than be blinded by the aspects they agree with. We must remain vigilant in our awareness of Jewish vulnerability.”

Read Elana’s complete article in Hadassah Magazine