Last night at sundown was the first night of Hanukkah, an eight day holiday symboling light over darkness, faith over oppression, and freedom of religion. In anticipation of Hanukkah, we’d been ambling through Greensboro trying to find something to share about the holiday. Since the late 1800s, the Jewish community in Greensboro has been profoundly and historically important to the city, and remains integral to the city’s economic, cultural, and civic life.

At yesterday’s holiday market at the Greensboro Curb Market, we found just what we were looking for. Elizabeth Pinyan was selling handmade door decorations, specifically menorahs and dreidels. Elizabeth, a Grimsley High graduate, learned to laser cut at The Forge. She first draws a design, then crafts it out of wood, and then hand paints it. As you will notice to the right, Elizabeth also makes custom birth month bouquets. You can pick a flower for everyone in your family and fill a bottle with flowers that will last all year. Everything about Elizabeth exudes creativity. Her business cards are imprinted on thin wood shavings. Her Etsy shop is challahdaydesign.etsy.com and her business email is elizabeth@challahdaydesign.com.* It is so fun to get out and meet young entrepreneurs.

Happy Monday! Happy Hanukkah! !חנוכה שמח

*Challah is a slightly sweet, braided, egg bread popular on the Sabbath and holidays.