CLBC had planned to mark the start of Hanukkah, the Jewish celebration of light amidst the darkness, with the following contributed story from Jennifer Hartley, whose son receives funded services from CLBC. In light of the terrible attack December 14 at the Hanukkah event in Australia, CLBC wishes to express its support for all those impacted and hopes Jennifer and Jacob’s story helps spread some light during this challenging time.
Jennifer shares her story below
Celebrating the Jewish community and faith is something very personal for me and last night, I lit the first candle of Hanukkah with my son with pride.
Jacob and the former MP, the Hon. Irwin Cotler, at “Hanukkah on the Hill” in Ottawa, December 2025. The Magen David—- the shield of David — is a symbol of the strength and resilience of the Jewish people. (Photo by Jennifer Hartley)
That may come as a surprise, as I am the daughter of a United Church minister.
Since August, I have been studying Judaism, not because I’m on the path to conversion, but because my son Jacob is.
My brilliant, neurologically complex 22-year-old son has never felt community before as he has always been treated as “different” and cast aside in many places in society.
A cousin of mine had done our genealogy and discovered we have Jewish roots from a few generations ago.
That connection spoke to Jacob on many levels and he started attending our local synagogue, and from there it took off. I could not be more grateful.
He found a home in the Jewish community in Victoria at Congregation Emanu-El.
Everyone, without exception, treats my boy with deep respect and kindness, all the while helping him learn what living in community is like. It is heartwarming.
I asked Jacob his thoughts:
“What I love about it is the fact that the second I stepped in to that Shul, I was accepted with open arms, despite my brain differences, and my inexperienced mind on the issues. They are all very good at teaching me and I have developed a special bond with three rabbis who have been incredibly patient with me as I learn. They teach me social skills, too, which is a good thing.”
As a mother, there’s nothing more I could ask for than to have my son be loved by others and feel all those good things that community brings.
I look forward to learning more about the Jewish faith and watching Jacob thrive and grow with their help.”
Jacob and Rabbi Eli at the Congregation Emanu-El (Photo by Jennifer Hartley)