We woke up this morning to the terrible news of the horrific mass murder at the Chabad Chanukah celebration in Bondi Beach, Australia.  On a day when we thought that we would simply be preparing for our own Chanukah celebrations, and looking forward to sharing this holiday with family and friends, instead we are mourning the loss of so many lives of our fellow Jews and praying for the healing of so many wounded.  We grieve and we mourn, and we also feel a sense of rage that we now live in a world where Jews everywhere are regularly targets for antisemitic violence and abuse.  Even in “modern and tolerant” countries, Jews and Jewish institutions are at risk.  Our political and police leaders are supportive of us, but often don’t understand the gravity of the threat and the need to speak out against antisemitism and provide resources and laws to protect the Jewish community.

Any time Jews are massacred we are shocked and saddened, but when it happens on a holiday like Chanukah our pain is multiplied.  Our people faced this kind of violence regularly for thousands of years, but they never gave up their commitment to their faith.  Rabbis instituted changes to traditions, like moving the Chanukiah indoors or out of sight, if people were afraid that publicly proclaiming one’s Jewish identity would put them at risk.  Many of us, I’m sure, are now rethinking our public Chanukah events or planning increases in security.  But I hope that no one is thinking about canceling any events out of fear.  We must be smart and safe, but also resolute.  We must never let the dark forces of hatred snuff out the light of our faith.  We must never let the darkness of death overwhelm our commitment to being a light to the world.  We must be modern Maccabees, fighting agai

nst hatred and illuminating each day with our belief in a better tomorrow.

Chanukah Same’ach and Am Yisrael Chai

Rabbi Ahud Sela

President of the Board of Rabbis of Southern California

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Rav Ahud Sela

Temple Ramat Zion

17655 Devonshire St.

Northridge, CA 91325

818-360-1881 x2

President, Board of Rabbis of Southern California