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In honor of Chanukah, Governor Polis granted an exclusive Chanukah interview to Chany Scheiner of Boulder Center for Judaism.
1–As a Jewish leader, how did October 7th impact your approach to governance?
October 7 was a devastating attack. As Governor, I am not in charge of any foreign policy, but even as I pray for the release of the hostages I am focused on how events abroad affect people here at home. It is as important as ever that in Colorado we ensure every person can be safe and thrive no matter who they are or who they pray to. Over the last year, I worked with the legislature to allocate additional funding to nonprofit and religious organizations to address the stark jump in antisemitism and sentiment and ensure communities of all faiths and backgrounds had the support they needed to boost security. Throughout my time as Governor I have been focused on creating a Colorado for all, where no matter who you are, who you love, or how you worship, you can thrive. That hasn’t changed. I remain committed to supporting the Jewish community and all Coloradans of different faiths and no faith.
2–What do you think is the secret of Jewish survival? Resilience, humor, and good food go a long way and have nourished our bodies and spirits for generations. I am often reminded of a Jewish story about a person who plants a carob tree. A young person passes by, and says “why are you planting a carob tree? It takes seventy years to bear fruit.” The gardener responds, “my ancestors planted trees to ensure a fruitful world for me; so too I hope to build a fruitful world for my descendants.” Judaism puts great importance on storytelling which is a powerful tool to both learn from the past and carry forward meaningful lessons and traditions into future generations. It is this approach that I bring with me as governor as well, working to build a bright future for Colorado.
The Jewish community is a strong one, including here in Colorado. We all have a role to play in supporting one another, no matter our faith, and I’m proud that this is part of who we are as members of the Jewish community, as well as Coloradans. It’s that sense of community and support that has helped us endure.
3–Can you share a meaningful Jewish experience from the past year? Our son’s bar mitzvah this last year was a special experience that we got to celebrate alongside our family and friends.
4–Is there a Jewish value that informs your leadership as our Governor? A Jewish value that informs my leadership is also an important aspect of the Chanukah holiday, and that’s the theme of light over dark. I’ve always been an optimistic person who focuses on the positive, and I think that’s important as a leader. I’m always looking to the future and thinking about how I can best deliver for Coloradans.
The story of Chanukah reminds us of leadership and identity – the Maccabees stood up for their faith in the face of adversity, and freedom won over tyranny. The story of Chanukah is a timely reminder to continue our own fights for freedom, and to support those fighting persecution across the globe.
5–As a Jewish leader, what are some of your family’s favorite Chanukah traditions, and how do they inspire you during this season of light? Growing up I loved lighting the menorah with my grandmother. We have a family tradition of making my great-grandmother’s latke recipe which we make with our kids still today.
