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Chanukah Light in a World of Darkness – Our Response to Tragedy

2 2
17.12.2025
Like for many of us, the news from Australia came as a shock. Reports described a public Chanukah gathering at Bondi Beach disrupted by violence against Jews who had come to celebrate openly. What was meant to be a moment of light and togetherness turned into loss and grief. Many of us felt overwhelmed by the devastation. The weight of it settled deeply. In that moment, I realized I needed to step forward. When I learned about a public menorah lighting in Philadelphia, I knew I had to be there. On the second night of Chanukah, I proudly participated in the public menorah lighting at Rittenhouse Square. Jews gathered openly in the heart of the city. We sang songs that have carried our people through centuries. The menorah stood tall and visible. The event was led by Rabbi Yochanan Goldman and his wife, Leah. Rabbi Goldman, originally from South........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)