02/23/2026
Humans of Hakafa : Faith Wilansky
What gets you out of bed in the morning?
Living in New York City is what gets me moving every day. Knowing that the city is already in full motion is its own kind of motivation to get out of bed. Millions of people are here chasing something…a dream, a deadline, or a better version of themselves. Before my alarm goes off, the street noise has already pulled me into the rhythm of the day. Feeling surrounded by all of that ambition is contagious.
What is your most cherished memory at Hakafa?
My favorite memory at Hakafa isn’t just one moment. It’s the collection of Friday nights at Shabbat services week after week. Hakafa became a sense of home when we moved from D.C. Walking into the Winnetka Community House became something deeper than routine. What started as new surroundings turned into warm smiles, familiar melodies, and a sense of grounding. Every time I come back to Chicago to visit, I make sure to return “home.”
What is your favorite Jewish food and why?
I have two favorite foods. We spend every break fast with the Rosenthal, Delman, and Schindler families. While it’s not a typical Jewish food, Marnie makes a special mostaccioli. Maybe it’s not traditional, but it’s become sacred in its own way. And, I still dream about the malawach and eggplant dip that I found in a market in Israel.
