“Each one is a tiny spark, but together we are a gigantic light” as a song goes.  From the days of the Maccabees and even before with Abraham, and Joseph, and Moses - we have been lamplighters! Hanukkah is the Jewish Festival of Light, reminding us to shatter the darkness with light and stand tall, affirming life, and enduring even when hope has felt fragile! Tragically, antisemitism is not alone yesterday’s history, but it is present, global, and deadly!  How we respond will make all the difference. Stand tall and speak loudly - against antisemitism and all forms of hate. Show solidarity and celebrate Hanukkah; affirm Judaism today and tomorrow with pride! 

Tonight, and this week, when we light our candles, let us stand in sorrow but in solidarity with all those who affirm light and life. This is the largest loss of Jewish lives in the Diaspora since the Shabbat Tree of Life Synagogue, Pittsburgh, 2018. We live in the shadow of the Simchat Torah massacre of October 7th. I hope that someone can yet help our NYC Mayor-elect, Jewish Voice for Peace, and antizionist protesters understand, that this is what “globalize the intifada” means. Language matters. Leadership matters. Silence and moral evasion are never neutral. They are toxic and breed violence. May each flame we kindle honor those lost z”l, comfort those who are mourning, and strengthen us to stand against hatred. 

We are heartbroken. At this dark time of the year, we Jewish sing the medieval poem of resilience, courage and hope, MAOZ TZUR, Rock of Ages which reminds us that there have been haters who have sought to destroy us from Pharaoh, Amalek, Haman, Antiochus, Crusaders, Inquisitors, Nazis and Islamic fundamentalists. But we are still here, lighting our lights and proclaiming Am Yisrael CHAI, the people of Israel LIVES! 

Bondi Beach may be 10,000 miles from NYC and from Brown University, but there and here we shall light our candles fighting for our right to exist and to prevail! I think I speak for all Jews, even those who claim to be antizionist: living in fear is not what we want for our children and grandchildren. Like the Maccabees, we need to fight to protect our rights and our safety as Jews.  Let all people of conscience stand against these attacks.

Let us remain visible, sing, and pray, and celebrate even with fear lurks in the darkness.  Light your candles and choose light and life! May the memories of those we lost last night forever be a blessing. Wishing you and your loved ones, and Jews here and everywhere, a peaceful, light-filled Hanukkah!

Rabbi David J. Gelfand

Cantor Irena Altshul

Rabbi Peter Young

Ahmed took down one of the shooters reminding us that there are good people.

While the political leaders have said that they are “devastated” by what happened at the spectacularly beautiful Bondi Beach in Australia, their attitude until now has been blasé at best. Let us be grateful for a brave 43-year old Arab Muslim, father of 2, fruit shop owner, who bravely intervened, and who risked his life to save Jews. Injured, he is undergoing surgery. Let us kindle lights against prejudice and bigotry everywhere, affirming our commitment to light against darkness and hope against hatred! AM YISRAEL CHAI!  RabbiDJG