As the great “festival of lights” begins, I wish to extend Happy Hanukkah greetings to our sisters and brothers in the Northeast Ohio Jewish community. May this wonderful celebration, marked by the lighting each night of another lamp on the menorah recalling the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem by Judas Maccabeus many centuries ago, increase the bonds of faith, family and friends and brighten your lives.
As I am a newcomer to Northeast Ohio, I look forward to getting to know and work with members of the local Jewish community. Borrowing the words of Pope Francis, “May the Eternal One bless and enlighten our cooperation that together we can accept and carry out even better his plans.”
As this is a special time for us, let us together pray for peace on Earth and goodwill to all. Shalom.