As One, We Light the Way for our Community

Dear Community Members,

This Chanukah, as the menorah's glow fills our homes and hearts, we're reminded of the enduring strength and spirit of the El Paso & Las Cruces Jewish community. It's a time to celebrate the bonds that unite us, the traditions that inspire us, and the collective power we hold to shape a brighter future.

Just as the shamash lights each of the menorah’s candles, your support illuminates the path forward for our community. Each night of Chanukah, we will kindle a new flame to celebrate the essential work made possible by your contributions:

Global Connections: The first flame burns brightly for our global community, which stretches across continents to Israel and over 70 countries, and deep in the El Paso and Las Cruces communities. We proudly stand with the Israeli people, helping to raise over $850 million to support their healing, recovery, and rebirth in the aftermath of the October 7th attacks.

Shield Against Hate: The second flame flickers for our continued vigilance in the face of rising antisemitism. Supporting our campaign ensures grants for Yom HaZikaron commemorations and Youth Ambassadors produced by the El Paso Holocaust Museum and Study Center. Working with ADL, Hadassah, civic leaders, and allies, your investment supports anti-bias and security training, community education programs, and commemorations.

Blessing of Health: The third flame radiates our steadfast commitment to fostering the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of our community, starting with our cherished elders. Our campaign empowers us to sustain vital programs like Borderland’s Cafe Europa, where senior adults from El Paso and Las Cruces gather monthly for enriching educational and social experiences. These uplifting outings, such as the Sukkah lunch led by Rabbi Scott Rosenberg and the historical La Hacienda tour with Executive Director Sami DiPasquale of ABARA, celebrate our Jewish heritage. Workshops facilitated by Alison Mann and Joanne Turnball in Las Cruses focus on aging with dignity and resiliency.

We need your continued support to protect our community and provide essential care for those in need.

Sense of Belonging: The fourth flame embodies acceptance, representing our unwavering dedication to cultivating spaces where everyone feels valued and respected. Producing PJ Library programs for young families, Shofar Across Borders, the Jewish Film Festival, Chanukkah on the Plaza, and Israel celebrations foster understanding and a profound sense of belonging for our Jewish community.

Igniting Passion: The fifth flame sparks curiosity, empowering our community to deepen their connection to Jewish culture and traditions. With your generosity, we are able to make grants for Book Zone at B’nai Zion and Noah Aaronson at Temple Mount Sinai, among other initiatives. Your investment provides scholarships for our youth to attend Jewish camps. We’re ensuring access to childhood education programs here and in 300 communities, creating a strong foundation for future generations to connect to their Jewish heritage.

Advocating for Change: The sixth flame burns with a fierce passion, ignited by our untiring advocacy for the Jewish community. Launching Teen Philanthropy with the Joyce Jaffee Fund at the Jewish Community Foundation enables us to educate the next generation of donors and give them a voice in shaping our future Jewish community.

Your donation empowers us to be a powerful voice for our community and make an impact around the world.

Spreading Empathy: The seventh flame shines with compassion, reminding us of our sacred responsibility to care for one another. Through Shalom Shuttle, we provide rides to Jewish events and services for those in need, which helps to combat isolation and depression.

On the eighth night, with the menorah fully ablaze, we marvel at its radiant glow, symbolizing the flourishing communities we build together - As One.

This Chanukah, join us in lighting the way forward. יהי אור - Yehi Or. Let there be light! Your gift ensures that the light of our shared values continues to shine brightly, guiding us toward a future where every Jewish person feels connected, supported, and empowered.

Warm Regards,
The Jewish Federation of El Paso & Las Cruces

P.S. As one, we can create a world where the light of hope outshines the darkness.

Please consider making your tax-deductible gift today.