As we reach for the first candle tonight as the festival of Chanukah begins, the light feels dimmer as we hold the lives of those celebrating Chanukah on Bondi Beach in Australia, who were murdered on what should have been joyous. They had gathered to begin the festival of lights only to have the light of their lives, snuffed out as an of violent hatred of Jews. This festival reminds us each year that we stand strong against those who seek to destroy us. We persevere even in our sadness. Their lives are a blessing as are their memories. Zichronam Livracha. We will kindle these candles tonight to bring more light into the world and to celebrate the beauty that is Judaism. Together, we will rise higher like the flames reaching toward the heavens.
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