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By Jessica Goldfarb
In Hebrew, there are several common words and phrases that carry profound meaning for Judaism. For JFGC, and for our community, encapsulating the values that shape the essence of Jewish life. Whether you are familiar with these words and phrases or have never heard them, their significance within the context of our community is worth exploring further.
In Hebrew, the word nes( סֵנ)
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is often understood as miracle, familiar from the letters on the Chanukah dreidel. However, the same root also means flag or banner, something lifted high for all to see. In this sense, a nes is not only a wondrous event, but also a sign of the strength and faith that help us rise above even the darkest moments.
Nes gadol haya sham—“ a great miracle happened there.” Each year during Chanukah, we recall the oil that burned for eight
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nights and the enduring message it carries. The miracle is not only in what once happened, but in how it continues to inspire hope. That same story reminds us that even in difficult times, resilience and faith can bring light forward.
In Jewish life, a nes is often found not in grand gestures but in the quiet work of our community. It is the ability to create meaning from hardship, to rebuild, and to stay hopeful when certainty fades. The Talmud teaches
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that those who recognize daily blessings— rising each morning, laughing with friends, feeling the warmth of belonging— witness miracles constantly.
That same spirit guides the work of Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte. Through collective giving, learning, and care, our community continues to create moments of light where they are needed most. Whether offering support to families in crisis, strengthening Jewish identity
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, or standing with Israel and global Jewry, Federation helps turn shared hope into meaningful action.
As we light the menorah this Chanukah, may we be reminded that nes is not something distant or rare. It lives in the compassion we show, the resilience we share, and the light we continue to lift together.
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