Greenville Jewish Federation Joins National Shine-A-Light campaign

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GREENVILLE, S.C. – As the Jewish community in the Upstate prepares for Hanukkah this week, the Greenville Jewish Federation is taking part in a nationwide anti-Semitism campaign.

Shine A Light is a purpose-driven convening platform for organizations, companies, institutions and individuals to unite in shining a light on antisemitism in all its modern forms. Drawing inspiration from the story of Hanukkah, the Shine A Light initiative is fueled by an unprecedented coalition of Jewish and non-Jewish organizations from across the United States and Canada who have joined together to speak up about antisemitism and send a message that one single light can dispel darkness.

As part of this campaign, the Greenville Jewish will distribute custom-created window clings to individuals and businesses. The clings will feature the Shine-A-Light logo, the #StandUpToJewishHate blue square, and a QR link to a page to their website about Shine-A-Light. Learn more by clicking here or going to the website at www.jewishgreenville.org/content-feed-components/dispel-the-darkness.
“We need more light in the world to overcome all the darkness. There is no more appropriate time than during the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah, to bring such light and attention to the rising antisemitism across the world,” said Courtney Tessler, CEO of The Greenville Jewish Federation. “These decals are available to anyone willing to show their support for the Jewish community and take a stand against antisemitism.”

In addition, the Greenville Jewish Federation will be taking part and promoting the following events:
• There will be a Grand Menorah Lighting on Thursday, December 7 at 5:30 p.m. at Hampton Station, 1320 Hampton Avenue Extension, Greenville. This will be pet friendly.
• Chanukah on Main will be held Sunday, December 10 starting at 4 p.m. at Noma Square in downtown Greenville. This is a partnership with Chabad of Greenville and the Upstate who organize the annual event.
• PJ Library will be holding a PJ PJ Hanukkah Dance Party for Jewish families, as well.
• The Greenville Jewish Federation is providing Hanukkah Education Resource Kits to Jewish Families to support cultural awareness, education on the holiday, and inclusion for Jewish students in their classrooms. The kits were first introduced in 2021 and supported by JFNA Shine-A-Light funding in 2022. The kits, available for Pre-K through 6th grade classrooms in private, public, charter, and homeschool co-op schools, include an age-appropriate book highlighting diversity and acceptance, a menorah for the classroom with a story about the Festival of Lights, and dreidels and gelt for each child.
More details on these events can be found at www.jewisgreenville.org.

“Each year we work as a community with our local Jewish organizations to increase the support and awareness for Hanukkah,” Tessler said. “Through partnership and with the support of the City of Greenville, we aim to continue expanding the inclusion of non-Jewish residents to stand side-by-side with our Jewish community in the celebration of the Festival of Lights.”

About the Greenville Jewish Federation:
The Greenville Jewish Federation is a dynamic organization dedicated to serving and strengthening the Jewish community in Greenville and neighboring counties. With a rich philanthropy and community-building history, the Federation works tirelessly to support educational programs, social services, cultural events, and advocacy efforts that promote Jewish values, heritage, and unity. To learn more about the Greenville Jewish Federation’s initiatives and upcoming programs, visit www.jewishgreenville.org.