By Joan Kurtz

Last year at this time, I chose not to display my electric menorah in the window as we celebrated Chanukah. My community had experienced an increase in anti-Semitic activity – spray painted slurs on the high school walls as well as on rocks at the top of our local mountain. I felt intimidated and nervous about showing the lights. I let "them" win. But not this year!

Since then, I have joined a local Resistance group. I have called and wrote letters to my senators and representatives. I have marched and protested locally as well as in my state capital. I have read magazines and blogs, listened to the radio and watched the news, both the liberal stations and the conservative ones. It’s always good to know what the other side is hearing and thinking. So now I am empowered and nothing is going to stop me now.

Chag Sameach to all, and may your menorahs burn ever so bright this year for all to see.