* Translated by Janine Muller Sherr
A horrific terror attack took place today at an outdoor Chanukah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia. To our great sorrow, at least 12 people were murdered, among them the Chabad emissary of Chabad to Australia, Rabbi Eli Schlanger. Dozens have also been wounded. The Australian Jewish community is in shock, as are many Jewish communities around the world.
Our enemies tried to extinguish the world’s first Chanukah lighting. And it was only two days ago that we watched the video of the Six hostages lighting the sacred lights of Chanukah deep in the dark tunnels of Gaza.
Over the following eight days, we will add more and more light - by lighting our menorahs in our own private homes and in public venues throughout the world.
The Chanukah celebration that was targeted in Australia was organized by Chabad. The Lubavitcher Rebbe said that Chanukah does not last for only eight days. It is our mission to spread Chanukah’s light — the light of faith, Torah, and mitzvot — throughout the entire year. Let's think of practical ways that can bring more of the light of Judaism to the world in memory of those precious Jews we lost today.
May we merit a bright Chanukah this year, even in the midst of the darkness.
Besorot tovot.
