Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Lisa Gerson and I was appointed to the Cardiff Magistrates’ Bench in 2001. There are over 220 magistrates sitting on the bench, but I have only met two others who are Jewish. That fact highlights why it is important, to me, to talk openly about faith, culture and identity within the magistracy. The courts serve the whole community and it matters that minority communities have a visible presence on the bench.
I have lived in Cardiff for nearly all of my life and it is very much home. I am proud to serve the city and the people within it and proud to do so as a Jewish woman.
Growing up in a non-Jewish worldGrowing up, I was very aware that I lived in a predominantly non-Jewish world. That awareness was felt most strongly in the weeks and days leading up to Christmas. Conversations would naturally begin with questions like, “Are you ready for Christmas?” or “What’s Santa bringing you?”. At school, the nativity play would be rehearsed every year. While my classmates shared in the excitement, I would sit quietly in a corner doing my homework, observing rather than participating.
At the time, it could feel isolating. There was no unkindness intended, but it was a reminder that I was different. Fortunately, society has evolved over the years and there is now a far greater awareness that not everybody celebrates the same festivals or follows the same traditions. That progress is important and it makes a real difference to how children grow up feeling seen and included.
Interestingly, December is now one of my favourite months. As a Jewish person, Chanukah usually falls in December and I feel we now get the best of both worlds. I love the excitement, the sparkle and the celebratory buzz in the air. As a family, our children would be particularly excited when our next-door neighbours put up their Christmas decorations and we, as a family would enjoy them vicariously. There is something infectious about the joy people feel at this time of year.
Work Christmas parties have always been something I’ve shared in, even though turkey and stuffing do not fit with my kosher dietary laws! For me, inclusion doesn’t mean giving up who you are; it means being able to participate while remaining true to your values.
What is the story of Chanukah?Chanukah commemorates events that took place over 2,000 years ago, during a time when the Jewish people were ruled by the Greek-Syrian Empire. The holy Temple in Jerusalem had been desecrated and when it was reclaimed, there was only enough purified oil to light the seven-branched menorah for one day.
Miraculously, that oil burned for eight days, exactly the amount of time needed to prepare fresh oil. Chanukah therefore celebrates this miracle and it is symbolised by lighting a new candle on the menorah (or chanukiah) on each of the eight nights of the festival.
What does Chanukah mean to you and why is it important?For me, Chanukah is about identity, resilience and continuity. It reminds us that even when a culture or faith feels small or faces challenges, it can endure and thrive. Lighting the candles each night is a quiet but powerful act of remembrance and pride.
It is also a deeply family-centred festival. In our busy lives, Chanukah creates space for generations to come together, to pause, reflect and celebrate shared traditions. Those moments matter, particularly in a world that often moves too fast.
Is Chanukah the Jewish Christmas?This is a question I’m often asked, and the simple answer is no. Chanukah is not the Jewish version of Christmas; it is a Jewish festival that happens to occur around the same time of year.
There is no Chanukah tree or fairy lights. Traditionally, children play dreidel, a spinning top game, and are given Chanukah ‘gelt’, which is chocolate money or coins. While money is the traditional gift associated with Chanukah, when I was too young to understand, my parents chose to give us small Chanukah presents. They felt it helped us fit in and not feel left out at a time when gift-giving was all around us. That sensitivity made a lasting impression on me.
What advice would you give to someone celebrating Chanukah?Chanukah is a fun, inclusive and joyful family affair. All generations come together as the menorah is lit, blessings are said to recognise the miracle, and traditional songs are sung. Afterwards, we share a meal featuring fried foods, which symbolise the miracle of the oil. These include latkes (similar to potato rosti) and sufganiyot, delicious jam-filled doughnuts.
My advice would be to embrace the warmth of the festival and definitely don’t try and diet over Chanukah! Whether you are celebrating within the Jewish community or learning about Chanukah for the first time, it is a reminder of the importance of light, hope and faith shining through — values that resonate far beyond any one religion.
As a magistrate, I believe that understanding each other’s traditions strengthens our communities and reinforces trust in the justice system. Chanukah, for me, is not only a festival of light, but a celebration of belonging; both to my faith and to the wider society I am proud to serve.
Interested in serving your community through the magistracy?You don’t need any legal experience or legal qualifications. Find out more at ‘I can be a magistrate’
The post Serving the community with pride: A Jewish magistrate’s reflection on Chanukah appeared first on Courts and Tribunals Judiciary.
seen at 15:24, 17 December in Courts and Tribunals Judiciary.