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Giving Tips

Share Your Light: 8 Ways to Give Back This Chanukah

Atlanta Jewish Foundation Giving Tips
November 15th, 2025

The story of Chanukah is often told as one of divine miracles – the oil that burned for eight days, the small flame that refused to be extinguished. But at its heart, Chanukah is also a story of human courage and creativity. The Maccabees stepped forward in a moment when the odds were stacked against them. Their strength didn’t come from numbers, but from unwavering faith and dedication to a Jewish future. 

This season invites us to do the same: to share our light, to uplift others, and to strengthen the causes that matter most. Our sages teach, “‘Israel illuminates for the One who illuminates for all.” (Midrash Shemot Rabbah 36:3). When we fulfill the Mitzvah of Tzedakah, we light a lamp that not only brightens up our own soul, but illuminates the path for the entire community. 

Whether you give of your time, treasure, or talent, here are eight meaningful ways to make an impact this Chanukah. 

1. Give Tzedakah Directly 

Direct donations are one of the simplest and most heartwarming ways to support organizations doing essential work in our community. Choose a cause that aligns with your family’s values and give generously this holiday. 

Staff recommendations: 

  • The Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta Annual Campaign – Supports core needs across the Atlanta Jewish community. 
  • HAMSA – a JF&CS program providing support, resources, and mental health education for those seeking recovery from substance abuse. 
  • Camp Twin Lakes – End-of-year giving helps fund inclusive programs for children with illnesses or disabilities. 
  • SOJOURN – Advances LGBTQ+ inclusion, education, and support across Southern Jewish communities. 

Give to these causes directly from your Atlanta Jewish Foundation donor portal. Want help finding the right nonprofit to support? Contact Ghila Sanders at gsanders@jewishatlanta.org or call 404.870.1611. 

2. Volunteer Your Time & Skills

Not all generosity is financial. Your time, energy, and expertise can meet pressing needs across our community. 

Volunteer opportunities to get you started: 

Tip: Volunteer together as a family to increase your impact, make memories, and strengthen your family’s culture of generosity.

3. Donate Material Goods

If you’re decluttering for the new year, your gently used items can become someone else’s blessing. Consider donating clothing, toys, household goods, or pantry staples. 

Atlanta options: 

  • Creating Connected Communities – empowers Jewish teens and families to give back and become community leaders. CCC often holds book collections, toy drives, and Smile Bag packs for children in need (include personal care products like a toothbrush/toothpaste, school supplies, a treat, and an educational toy.) 
  • JF&CS Food Pantry – Always in need of shelf-stable items. 
  • Intown Cares – tackles food insecurity and homelessness in Atlanta. 
  • Drop off donations at your local thrift store. 

4. Practice Strategic Philanthropy

Chanukah coincides with the end of the tax year – a critical moment to give wisely and maximize both tax savings and impact. With new tax legislation set to go into effect in 2026, giving before December 31st may hold many benefits.

Smart year-end giving strategies include: 

  • Opening or replenishing a donor-advised fund (DAF). A DAF is a charitable giving account which allows donors to receive an immediate tax deduction, invest and grow their charitable dollars, and give to their favorite causes over time – all from one secure online portal.
  • Donating appreciated stock or non-cash assets. 
  • Making a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your IRA directly to a charity or endowment. 
Open a DAF

Don’t miss the 2025 deadlines! Wondering which year-end strategy is right for you? Reach out to Tova Baruch at tbaruch@jewishatlanta.org or call 404.436.0089.

5. Start a Family Giving Conversation 

Family philanthropy is about more than money – it’s about passing on values. Chanukah is a perfect moment to talk with your partner, children, or relatives about giving. Research shows that kids who talk about philanthropy at home are 20% more likely to become charitable adults. 

Want tips on how to build a family tradition of Tzedakah? Watch this episode of Lemonade with Lindsay: the Donor’s Guide to Family Philanthropy.

6. Advocate & Raise Awareness 

Your voice carries impact. Amplifying the work of organizations you care about can introduce new donors, volunteers, and partners to their mission. 

  • Share posts from local nonprofits. 
  • Write to elected officials about issues affecting the Jewish community. 
  • Educate family and friends about the causes you support. 

Start by sharing this article to help spread the light! 

7. Build a Legacy for the Future

Legacy isn’t reserved for major donors. Even a simple gift can strengthen Jewish Atlanta for generations. Building a legacy is about ensuring your values endure and that your family and community are supported past your lifetime.  

Ways to leave a charitable legacy include: 

  • Naming a nonprofit as a beneficiary in your will, trust, or retirement plan. 
  • Establishing an endowment or restricted fund to support an organization – like a synagogue, day school, or Jewish summer camp – in perpetuity. 
  • Opening a L’dor Vador Fund with the Atlanta Jewish Foundation is a simple way to engage the next generation in Jewish philanthropy. It also makes for a meaningful Chanukah present! 

Jewish Future Promise

Join the worldwide movement and sustain the future of our community.

Make the Promise

Reach out to Ghila Sanders at gsanders@jewishatlanta.org or 404.870.1611 to start planning your legacy today.

8. Support Local Jewish & Small Businesses 

Chanukah shopping is a chance to support local artisans and Jewish-owned businesses. 

Try these staff favorites: 

  • The Spicy Peach – Kosher foods & gifts 
  • The Gifted Ferret (Woodstock) – Artisanal goods 
  • Modern Tribe – Judaica and Jewish gifts 
  • Ponce City Market Makers – Local crafts and small vendors 
  • A Cappella Books & Little Shop of Stories – Beloved independent bookstores 
  • Odd Bird, HomeGrown, Wild Oats & Billy Goats – Downtown Decatur shops featuring works from local artists 
  • Kudzu Antiques + Modern – Thrift and vintage treasures 

9. Bonus: Be the Shamash

Just as the Shamash (the helper candle) lights every candle on the menorah, you can spread light by uplifting those around you. 

  • Send a thoughtful message of appreciation to someone who may need it.
  • Ask friends or family to donate to your favorite charity as your Chanukah gift.
  • Attend a community event

Upcoming events:

Thank you for sharing your light and strengthening our community! We wish you and your family a warm, joyful, and meaningful Chanukah. Chag Sameach!