Our hearts are broken by the murderous terror attack in Sydney, an attempt to extinguish the 2,200-year-old light of Chanukah. We pray for the souls of the victims, the recovery of the survivors, and for the healing of a community shaken to its core by this act of terror.
What do we do now?
As the Rebbe taught us, the Chanukah menorah itself gives us our cue: Let us each add more flames of holiness, invite more people to celebrate, and bring more divine light to the darkness of night.
In honor of the victims of the Sydney massacre and in tribute to the Jewish soul that can never be extinguished, let’s each gift menorahs to our friends who don’t have and proudly and confidently show up for our people at public menorah lightings.
And may the bright flames lit nightly in every Jewish home and throughout our public spaces form a constellation of spiritual light and goodness for our world that will grow ever brighter and brighter.
With best Chanukah wishes,
Your Friends @ Chabad.org
P.S. Be sure that on Friday afternoon, the menorah is lit before the Shabbat candles and on Saturday night after Shabbat is over.
The Torah teaches us in Tehillim (Psalms) 34:19, "Hashem is close to the brokenhearted; He saves those who are crushed in spirit."
Our tradition encourages us to come together as a community, offering support and love to those affected. We must remember that even in the darkest times, the light of Hashem's presence can guide us. The Lubavitcher Rebbe often emphasized transforming pain into positive action, encouraging us to increase in acts of kindness and mitzvot in memory of those lost.
May the families and friends find solace in the embrace of their community and the eternal words of the Torah, and may we all work towards a world of hope, peace and healing. B”H. יקותיאל