JEWISH LIGHT EDITORIAL

With so much “dark news” these days, locally, nationally and worldwide, it is especially good timing for the entire Jewish community of St. Louis to participate in LightFest, a major celebratory event offering everyone the opportunity to help roll back the darkness.

LightFest will be held starting at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 6 at the fantastic new Staenberg Family Complex of the Jewish Community Center on the Millstone campus just west of Lindbergh off Schuetz Road. The event will culminate at 6 pm with the lighting of what could be the world’s largest Menorah that will have to be seen to be believed.

LightFest, organized by the Jewish Federation of St. Louis, is a most commendable effort to allow us to come together for a day-long event that combines family fun, support for the Jewish Community Campaign and assistance for those in critical need. The Co-Chairs are Keith Alper and Susan K. Goldberg, and the Honorary Chairs are Carol, Michael, Rachael, Hannah and Leah Staenberg.

Here are the things you can do at LightFest to both enjoy yourself and help our community:

· You can buy your Hanukkah gifts at the One Stop Mitzvah Shop.

· Have your kids, Hop, Skip and Jump for Tzedakah.

· Teens and young adults can brighten up Covenant/CHAI senior housing with a cool art project.

· Enjoy family entertainment, PJ Library Storytime and guest celebrities.

· Put your signature on the Big Menorah.

· Participate in a Candle-Making Class.

· Make calls and help collect gifts for the Jewish Community Campaign.

· Donate blood for the LightFest Blood Drive.

· Bring food for the Harvey Kornblum Food Pantry and bring clothing and other supplies for families in need.

Most importantly, COME to LightFest – by appearing, you will be raising money for the Campaign, as the Staenberg Family Foundation is making a matching gift for each person who attends.

If you have not already had a chance to visit the incredible, state-of-the art Staenberg Family Complex of the JCC, LightFest provides a perfect opportunity. The building is a truly amazing health, cultural and gathering resource for both the Jewish and general communities. We should all be proud of this substantial investment in Jewish St. Louis.

Hanukkah, the Festival of Dedication, also called the Festival of Lights to commemorate the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days during the time of the Maccabees, has illuminated and given hope to the Jewish community for over 2,000 years. There could be no better way to add to the glow and meaning of Hanukkah than by taking part in LightFest.