Q: What does Chanukah mean to you? Like any other holiday, for me Chanukah means having fun with family and friends. What sets this one apart from the rest, though, is definitely the sanctioned eating of foods “cooked in oil” (aka “fried”). Seriously, though, I love the messages in the Chanukah story: A seriously outnumbered army led by a rag-tag band of brothers manages to prevail over the Greeks. And let’s not forget that tiny amount of lamp oil that miraculously lasted for eight nights! (Hence the reverence for oil.) To me, the whole story serves as a reminder that the Jewish people, no matter how small we are in numbers, will always prevail through the strength of our spirit and a little help from G-d.
Q: What do you think that non-Jews should know about the holiday? Although it’s been said, many times, many ways….Chanukah is not the Jewish Christmas!! There is no Jewish Santa Claus; no such thing as a Chanukah bush. In the grand scheme of Jewish Holidays, Chanukah is a minor festival–I don’t even get time off of work for it. Compare that with the High Holidays (Rosh Hashanah through Simchat Torah), when I had seven paid Jewish holidays off between September 16 and October 9! (Yes, it’s REALLY hard to get anything done in the fall when you are a Jewish communal professional.)
Q: What is your favorite family Chanukah tradition? My favorite family Chanukah tradition is my inevitable last-minute scramble to come up with an acceptable substitute for latkes, since I am too lazy to make them myself. (That and the fact that your house smells like grease until New Year’s when you make them at home…) Tater tots have filled the bill on more than one occasion. Another favorite Chanukah tradition of mine that has developed over the last couple of years is having a Ladies’ Night Out with my Sinai Temple mom-friends. We choose a local restaurant with great fried goodies on the menu, we bring a menorah to light, and we sing the blessings together. I love being “out, loud, and proud” when it comes to my Judaism, and I do everything I can to encourage that in others!
Q: What is the role of the Champaign-Urbana Jewish Federation and how does it help our community? The Champaign-Urbana Jewish Federation (CUJF) is a non-profit organization covering the entire Jewish community, regardless of denomination, level of observance, or affiliation with a synagogue. Our mission since 1929 has been to ensure a vibrant Jewish life both here and abroad. We help fund local Jewish organizations and partner with them for community programming and educational opportunities. Whether it be providing Jewish-content books to local children through the PJ Library program, Holocaust education in our local schools, or daytime programming for seniors, CUJF is a home for all Jews. We also provide emergency assistance to families and individuals in need, both in the Jewish community and the community at-large.
Q: You are a native of Champaign-Urbana, born and raised here. What do you wish you could share with your children from your childhood that isn’t around anymore? I grew up mostly in Champaign, but also spent a lot of time in Tolono, where both of my parents are from. I have such fond memories of summer trips to Bates’ Place ice cream stand after dinner. I have never found soft serve ice cream that tastes as good as I remember that tasting. (Now I’m hungry for a twist cone!)
Q: What is the best parenting advice you have received and why? “It’s okay to take a break.” I think it’s important for us all to remember that sometimes…
Do you know a fantastic mom, dad or couple? Nominate them today!