As the beautiful “festival of lights” begins, I wish to extend Happy Hanukkah greetings from the Catholic community of the Diocese of Cleveland to our brothers and sisters in the Northeast Ohio Jewish community. May this wonderful celebration increase the bonds of faith, family and friends and brighten your lives as you mark the lighting of another lamp on the menorah each night and recall the re-dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem by Judas Maccabeus. We remember how he valiantly resisted persecution against the Jewish people, and we stand in solidarity with you today against modern forms of anti-Semitism.
Now, during this Holy Season, the Catholic community in the Diocese of Cleveland shares your hopes and joys as together we pray for peace on Earth and goodwill to all. May the unity that flows from this great celebration also shine a bright light against the darkness of division and bring us to a deeper level of respect and understanding among all people.
Shalom.