It has been a devastating morning as we woke up to the terrible news from Australia as we heard about the terrible terrorist attack at a huge Chabad Chanukah celebration.
Rabbi Eli Schlanger, originally from the UK and whose brother is very close friend, was murdered at this event with 11 others, and dozens more were injured, including the Rabbi's wife. It was just a few months ago that I was chatting with Eli at his niece's wedding in NY, a true ball of positive energy.
It has been a difficult and very emotional morning, but here I was shoveling the pathway, getting ready for Minyan and preparing for Hebrew School and Chanukah while on the phone with Eli's cousin, also a Rabbi in the UK, as we spoke about how to somehow fight back and add even more light this Chanukah.
Knowing Eli and the event itself and knowing my dear friend Shmuli, Eli's brother, I know they would only want one thing, "Respond with Even More Light"!
The Rebbe always spoke of the need to counter darkness with light, and yes even when facing challenging moments, the need for more light and more joy is even greater!
With this in mind, I want to reiterate that this Chanukah is a time for even more gatherings, celebrations and Menorah lightings, at home, synagogues and in the public space!
NEVER COWER IN FEAR!
NEVER LOWER YOUR HEADS AND HIDE!
STAND TALL WITH YOUR HEADS HELD HIGH!
BE PROUD AND FIGHT BACK WITH LIGHT AND JOY!
At all of our events we will have lots of security from the local Police Department who we have coordinated everything with and in our own in house highly trained team members!
PLEASE Join us today at 4pm - 5:30pm at Chabad for the Chanukah Kickoff Celebration at Chabad of Sudbury as we light a 12 foot Menorah and enjoy an amazing joyful celebration and show of light, joy and happiness!
Tuesday in Marlborough City Center - MORE INFO
Wednesday in Sudbury Town Center - MORE INFO
CTeen on Thursday evening - MORE INFO
Senior Homes throughout Chanukah
Special Chanukah Event coming soon!
If you need a travel Menorah kit or one for your home, let us know, we have plenty!
Now more than ever let us add more light!!!
Am Yisrael Chai!!
Be strong, be brave and be prouder than ever!
Let's make this holiday a powerful holiday of Light over Darkness!
Chanukah Sameach!
Happy Chanukah!
Rabbi Yisroel Freeman