Antisemitism at Bondi Beach and Choosing Light this Chanukah

December 14, 2025
24 Kislev 5786

Dear Congregational Family,

As we awoke this morning with excitement about the first night of Chanukah, our hearts were again broken by the news of a shooting at a Jewish gathering at Bondi Beach, Sydney. What should have been a moment of joy and celebration for this Jewish community was shattered by violence. As we light our menorahs tonight, we will be holding the victims and their families close, praying for those injured, and praying for those whose lives ended in such a senseless way.

News like this strikes fear into the hearts of every person who will kindle their menorah this evening. But, we pray that it also allows us to be strong in our desire to lift up the light we will create, to celebrate with more joy, and to know that we are standing on the shoulders of the Maccabees, who themselves rededicated the Temple through light after it was desecrated. Indeed, the Maccabees stood up against all odds and as dark as this rampant antisemitism manifests, we promise you, we will overcome, just as our People always have done. Our will and spirit are strong and we will, with every crevice of our communal being, navigate our way to light.

The miracle of Chanukah is not only the improbable victory of the Maccabees, and not only the oil lasting for all eight nights. The real miracle of Chanukah is that 2000 years later, we still find a way to create light despite the darkness of antisemitism, hatred and fear.  We make our latkes, spin our dreidels, sing our songs, and create light. We have been doing it for generations and against all odds. Each time we choose light over darkness, we are becoming part of the ongoing story of the Chanukah miracle.

When you drive down South Orange Avenue this week, you will see our Chanukah menorah shining brightly for all to see. We pray that this light is reflected in your own homes and that our combined light continues to be a beacon of light in a world that needs it so badly. Let us choose light in this Chanukah season.

With prayers for peace, and a Chanukah of light,

Rabbi Matthew D. Gewirtz
Rabbi Karen Glazer Perolman
Rabbi Hannah M. Ellenson
Cantor Lucy B. Fishbein
Cantor Beth Reinstein
Cantor Howard M. Stahl

Rena Abrams, Executive Director
Jeff Rosen, President