A Chanukah Message From Kaylene Ladinsky
Jewish Atlanta is a thriving kehillah full of movers and shakers who make a difference, not only in our own community, but throughout the world.
In addition to being the AJT’s managing publisher and interim editor, Kaylene Ladinsky is the president of Americans United With Israel.
As someone who works every day making it a priority to be aware of the news, events and happenings within our community, I can say that Chanukah couldn’t have come at a better time this year.
We all have memories of good times with our friends and families, as well as the history we remember every night for these eight nights each year. This holiday means so many different things to each of us.
This year is different for me. I still have my memories, and, of course the history of the holiday is one that I will always cherish, but this year there’s something different. This year there is all of you.
I have been with the AJT for more than eight years, working under several titles and performing many job duties, but I have never had the opportunity to be as intimate with your stories as I am now as interim editor.
From my perspective, there has been an increasing anti-Semitic tone in the news, politics and organizations across the world. We all know that not so long ago our ancestors were fighting for their lives and freedom. Even though we have sensed this steady increase of aggressive behavior toward Jews around the world, many still would not believe that our past would ever haunt us again. Pittsburgh’s tragedy was a big pill to swallow and I am still choking on it; we all are.
For all the stories that we publish, there are at least two more that never make it into print. There is just not enough real estate in the AJT for all the wonderful contributions of our community.
As I started to receive your responses about Chanukah, I thought about what the holiday means to me. I recalled how our community made it through the recent events and our stories of all of you coming together, proving that Jewish Atlanta is a thriving kehillah full of movers and shakers who make a difference not only in our own community, but throughout the world.
So, when I light my candles, sure, I will think of the great memories I have, and hold the story of the Maccabees dear, but my happiness this year will include being a part of all of you.
Chag Sameach!
Kaylene Ladinsky is the managing publisher and interim editor at the AJT and founder and president of Americans United with Israel Corporation, based in Atlanta.
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