As we light the candles this Hanukkah, we do so in a world that feels fragile and unsettled. This year, many in our global Jewish family are carrying fear and grief alongside the light, including our brothers and sisters in Australia, whose community has been shaken in ways that feel painfully familiar to Jews everywhere.

Hanukkah reminds us that Jewish history has never been defined by safety alone, but by resilience, peoplehood, and the refusal to dim our light. Wherever Jews have lived, we have faced moments that tested our sense of belonging. And wherever those moments have come, they have been met with solidarity, courage, and a deep commitment to one another.

This Hanukkah, may the flames we kindle connect us across oceans and continents. May they strengthen our resolve to stand together, to show up for one another, and to affirm that Jewish life, in all its richness and diversity, continues with purpose and hope.

From all of us at JFN, we wish you and your loved ones a meaningful and bright Hanukkah.

Read JFN CEO Andrés Spokoiny's Hannukah message.

Jewish Funders Network is launching a new Day School Affinity Group to bring together funders who are committed to the growth, affordability, and excellence of Jewish day schools. Jewish day school education plays a critical role in shaping Jewish identity, literacy, and community continuity, yet for many families it remains financially out of reach. The affinity group will serve as a dedicated forum for shared learning, relationship building, and collaboration, creating opportunities for funders to exchange ideas, examine data and models from the field, and explore ways to align philanthropic strategies in support of Jewish education.

We are pleased to welcomeAmy Schlusselas Program Manager of the Day School Affinity Group. Amy brings nearly two decades of experience strengthening Jewish day schools through advancement, enrollment strategy, and philanthropic partnership. Most recently, she served for 15 years as Director of Advancement at Hillel Day School of Metropolitan Detroit, where she helped reverse long-term enrollment decline and advance initiatives focused on academic excellence, affordability, and innovation.

JFN members interested in learning more about the Day School Affinity Group or exploring ways to get involved are invited tocontact Amy.

The stories we tell about ourselves do more than frame our past. They shape how we navigate the present and imagine what comes next. At this year's JFN International Conference closing plenary, we welcome acclaimed author and speechwriterSarah Hurwitzand journalistHaviv Rettig Gur, who together will examine how narratives about American and Israeli Jewish life form and why they influence our communities far more than we realize.

The session will also include reflections from freed hostageAlon Ohel, whose two years in captivity in Gaza and remarkable path toward healing offer profound insight into resilience and renewal. Alon, an accomplished Israeli pianist, will share a musical performance, an integral part of his recovery and a window into his journey.

General registration for the JFN 2026 International Conference is open.Click hereto register, and to stay up to date on programs, plenaries, and more.