Dear Chevre:
We at Temple Sinai woke up to the sad news from Sydney, Australia. Our hearts go out to the families who lost their loved ones as they gathered to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah at Bondi Beach. May their memories not be in vain.
Many of us have expressed concern and fear that antisemitism will ultimately reach our community in South New Jersey. John Moyer, the head of JFED Security has assured us that they have been in touch with local Police to take extra care to patrol and protect our places of worship. They will continue to monitor the area as well as monitor the global news, and will keep us informed.
During the years, I have learned that fear is an effective tool that Haters use. They want us NOT to show up for the 1st Night of Hanukkah or any other night. They want us NOT to display our Judaism in any way, hoping that we either give up and cower in our homes or perhaps “just go away”.
As your Spiritual Leader, I can guarantee you that such bold acts of antisemitism cannot and will not be rewarded by fear. Tonight, we will celebrate Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights just as our ancestors did for the past two thousand years. You see, Hanukkah isn’t just a story about presents, songs and latkes. Hanukkah means ‘dedication’, when we celebrate our religious freedom and identity during the darkest period of the calendar.
For two thousand years, we have celebrated our freedom to be who we are- through much worse than this. Jews have died with the “Shema” on their lips because they know that it’s worse to die from lack of faith than it is to die being proud of who you are.
This year, as always, we will stand upright, as strong as the Maccabees, lighting Hanukiot large and small, on full display, reminding the world that the Jews have always outlasted the haters. As in years past, we will continue to ask G-D to show us miracles. We will bring in the light and expel the darkness from our midst. We will strive to rededicate our lives to our faith. I URGE YOU TO STAND WITH ME AT WOOD PARK THIS EVENING AT 5pm TO LIGHT THE LIGHTS OF THE PUBLIC MENORAH. Please join me in making some noise, singing the blessings and the songs that remind others of how important it is to celebrate religious freedom.
My Friends, our 1% of the world’s population isn’t going anywhere. We will continue being an example of triumph against all odds. Ani Ma’amin, I believe with perfect faith that the Lion of Judah will roar louder than all of the hate, the fear and the filth.
More than any other contribution to the world, the Jews have given and will continue to be the example of HOPE to the world. And we pray to the Eternal One: “By your Light do we see the Light.”
Chag Urim Same’ach, I wish you and yours a Happy Hanukkah.
Rabbi/Cantor Colman Reaboi