As the granddaughter of the Rev. John Dublin Epps, who was the oldest American Episcopal minister when he passed in 1979 at 98, I feel truly blessed to be a part of the global community of believers in the love of God.  The Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church is Rev. Dr. Michael Curry whose writings in “Crazy Christians” have inspired me to discover the meaning of the Judeo-Christian beliefs and traditions I have followed all my life. "The Arts in the Service of the Lord" is one of the thoughts I continue to explore and hope the celebration of Hanukkah will expand and deepen the legacy of my family, friends, and colleagues.  We invite you to join Art Impact International and Carolyn Goodridge’s artist presentations in the first of these Holiday traditions.

- Peace and blessings, Dr. Sandra Epps

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The most famous Hanukkah story says that when the Maccabees entered the Temple to relight the menorah, they only found enough oil to last for one day. Miraculously, however, the menorah burned for eight days. At the core of this seemingly simple parable are profound lessons about the power of sustainability and resilience. We know from history that popular movements of resistance have the ability to succeed even against the most daunting of foes. - Rabbi Brant Rosen

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Hanukkah commemorates a historical event that took place in Jerusalem in the 2nd century BCE when the Seleucid Greek empire was the ruling power. In 168 BCE, King Antiochus IV Epiphanes outlawed Jewish practice and defiled the Jewish Temple in the city by installing an altar to Zeus Olympios and sacrificing pigs.

- Wikipedia

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Art is the perfect vehicle to raise awareness of specific cultural practices.  Beautiful art is the best way to draw attention to today’s threat of polarization and cultural colonization still happening today, resulting in the death and destruction of human culture. We celebrate this triumphant moment in Jewish history.  The artists may or may not be Jewish, but still have something significant to add to the understanding of what Hanukkah is.  They present artwork to help others discuss and understand the meaning of Hanukkah.  We offer artists the opportunity to have a positive impact on the planet, to understand each other better, and to practice global citizenry. 

- Carolyn Goodridge, Curator

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“I want there to be a place in the world where people can engage in one another’s differences in a way that is redemptive, full of hope and possibility.”  

- From social activist bell hooks’ book, “Reel to Real: Race, Sex, and Class at the Movies”

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“Compassion hurts. When you feel connected to everything, you also feel responsible for everything. And you cannot turn away. Your destiny is bound with the destinies of others. You must either learn to carry the Universe or be crushed by it. You must grow strong enough to love the world, yet empty enough to sit down at the same table with its worst horrors.”

- From activist Andrew Boyd’s “Daily Afflictions: The Agony of Being Connected to Everything in the Universe”