This morning, we woke to hear terrifying and tragic news about the terrorist attack on Jews gathered to celebrate the first night of Hannukah on Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia. Throughout the world we stand together with all Jews as “Am ehad im lev ehad – one people with one heart,” offering one another solace and strength in this moment of pain, horror, and outrage especially for the Australian Jewish community in this moment of great challenge.
We send prayers of comfort to the families of those who were murdered and prayers for healing to those who were injured.
Judaism teaches us to light our Hanukkah candles so they can be seen by the public, a mitzvah called pirsuma d’nissa. This act of sending light into an increasingly dark world is an expression of faith and hope. Faith, that there are many who stand for decency and freedom, willing to fight against antisemitism, hatred, and bigotry. Hope, that, with God’s help, we will see light prevail over darkness, and righteousness overcome evil.
I hope to see many of you tonight at City Center, standing together, bringing our light into the world.
Rabbi David M. Eligberg
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