Jewish Care Network

You might see two new cars in their driveway,

The nice neighborhood they’re in or the business they run.

And you might make judgments based on what you see.

You think you can tell what’s going on in their lives.

But how you see it isn’t necessarily their reality-

It may be very far from how it seems.

Because everyone has a story.

And, like a book, we can’t always tell

What the story is like just by looking at the cover.

You can’t really know what they’re going through...

And you definitely can’t tell what’s going on inside another’s mind or heart.

Chanukah is the holiday and miracle of light.

It reminds us how, despite what one might be facing,

Just a little light can remove so much darkness.

Looking at the 5th candle of the Menorah- the point is brought home.

We start with one small flame breaking through the dark-

And just add a small bit more each night.

At first we don’t see much difference or change

But suddenly the small flames combine and we notice

How the Menorah has more lit candles than dark!

The darkness might still be there- it might stick around

For some time. But the light definitely breaks through;

It’s presence is strongly felt and softens the pain!

We see the darkness all around us.

There’s the teenager, Erin, who’s suddenly paralyzed and the doctors don’t know why.

She desperately wants to be able to hang out with friends

But getting out is too hard and she gets more down each day.

Or the Arons, who are worried for their kids.

One needs specialized surgery that can only be done out of town

And they need to leave the others at home, alone for a few weeks.

And I’ll share one more- an Israeli who’s been here a couple of times.

He needs another procedure but his insurance changed.

Tomer, his father, is worried that they won’t be able to come back.



But there are rays of light.



We call them the JCN Angels and Superheroes- friends who give of themselves

To bring out smiles, give a bit of comfort and maybe even some hope.

They brighten the day for Erin, the Aron family and Tomer…



And let them know that they’re not alone.

The Angels and Superheroes bring light to those facing darker times;

They help dispel some of the loneliness and

Give others strength to face the hardships ahead.

I hope that you’re inspired by the Menorah to become an Angels or Superheroes yourself.

All it takes is sharing your light with those you know

Who might be going through a rough patch.

Listen to their story and offer your friendship and support.

You’ll make a real difference and push away

Much of the darkness that they’re feeling.

Be their miracle- be their hope and light!

Are you passionate about helping families who are struggling with cancer and other harsh illnesses?

Could you help?

Your donation will bring much needed smiles and hope to those who can really use it!