Thank you town of Cary council and staff for making possible the Jewish Cultural Festival on Dec. 20. Also, thank you Rabbi Yisroel Cotlar of Chabad of Cary for your important role in orchestrating this event. You have been in Cary for less than two years, and already you have been an inspirational and galvanizing leader in the local Jewish community.

It was great to see all the Jews and non-Jews who showed up at the Cary Arts Center for the event.

Whether one lights a menorah, a Christmas tree, or Kwanzaa candles, he or she brings light and hope at the darkest time of the year. That is something worth celebrating, regardless of one's particular faith or beliefs.

Barry Shuster

Cary