Dear Bernard Betel Centre Community,
Many of us woke up yesterday morning to the devastating news of a horrific and deadly anti-Semitic attack during a Chanukah celebration in Sydney, Australia.
Our hearts are with the Jewish community in Sydney and Chabad of Bondi, following this deadly attack during the first night of Chanukah. We stand with the Australian Jewish community and Jews throughout the world during this painful time. We mourn for those who have been murdered and offer our deepest condolences to the families who are grieving and pray for the healing and full recovery of those who have been injured. I would like to share some of Rabbi Taylor’s words with you.
“We mourn with them and stand with them. In a civilised world, such violence against innocent people is incomprehensible, and we recoil at the hatred and evil that produced it. Yet, Jewish history teaches us that even in moments of darkness, we do not retreat – we respond with light.
Sunday marked the 800th day since October 7. Chanukah is inseparably bound the number eight, a number that represents transcendence, faith, and a power that reaches beyond the physical worlds. It is why a Jewish boy enters the covenant on the eighth day, and why Chanukah’s eight days have always symbolized the enduring strength and spiritual resilience of our people.
That Chanukah this year begins on the 800th day since the worst attack on our people in living memory, while another murderous act is carried out against Jews and innocent people is a painful reminder that the lessons of Chanukah are not confined to the past. They are alive, urgent and profoundly relevant today. Our enemies may attempt to frighten us into silence or invisibility, but history has taught us otherwise. We answer darkness with light, fear with faith and hatred with pride in who we are.
As we grieve, we will also stand tall. We will light our candles proudly, gather openly, and continue to celebrate our holiday with Jewish pride. In doing so, we affirm that the light of Chanukah cannot be extinguished- and that we remain as always, a light in a very dark world.”
Last night, the Jewish people all over the world lit the first candle of Chanukah. As a people, we are commanded by our tradition to celebrate the miracle of Chanukah by placing our Chanukkiot in the window for all the community to see. Chanukah means “dedication.” The Maccabees persevered through dark times to rededicate the altar in the Temple and relight the menorah. Their example teaches us to look beyond the current moment and not succumb to despair. This holiday offers all of us an opportunity perhaps in the light of the candles, what we hold most dear and what we must dedicate ourselves to work to bring to life.
May we all find clarity and community in our reflections, in our sorrow and, even in our celebrations. Chag Chanukah Sameach.
Warmest Regards,
Gail Gould
Executive Director
