Dear Kehilla, In a few hours, we will light the first candle of Chanukah and begin days of light and joy. However, we find ourselves with heavy hearts, shocked and devastated by the painful news that reached us this morning from Sydney, Australia. A brutal shooting during a Chanukah celebration at Bondi Beach claimed the lives of 11 innocent people and left many others injured.
At this time, our hearts are with the Jewish community of Sydney. We embrace them from afar, share in their grief, and offer heartfelt תפילות for the נשמות of those who were murdered, for a complete recovery for the injured, and for true נחמה for the bereaved families.
Please join us in saying Tehillim for those who are seriously injured, including:
Yaakov ben Ethel
Chaya Mushka bas Shterna Sara
Reuven Ben Manya
Yaakov Dov ben Pnina
Yossef Ben Shterna Sara
Feivel Eliezer ben Dobra Bella
Arsan ben Amelia
Yaakov Dov ben Pnina
Moshe Yonatan ben Tziporah
יעקב בן עטל
חיה מושקא בת שטערנא שרה
ראובן בן מניה
יעקב דב בן פנינה
יוסף בן שטרנא שרה
פייבל אליעזר בן דוברה בלה
ארשן בן עמליה
יעקב דב בן פנינה
יעקב דב בן פנינה
לרפואה שלימה בתוך שאר חולי ישראל
Sadly, the list of injured includes more than 60 people.
Chanukah teaches us that even when the darkness is great, the light does not surrender. A single small flame can dispel much darkness. When we light the Chanukah candles, we will do so with pain, but also with a deep אמונה that light, goodness, and life will prevail. Throughout the generations, the Jewish people have faced difficult moments, yet have always continued to believe, to daven, and to celebrate our identity together.
We express our gratitude to CST who work tirelessly with the Police to protect Jewish life, and we continue to daven for the safety and well-being of our brothers and sisters everywhere.
At this time, it is more important than ever that we look out for one another. We know that many of you have family and friends in Australia, and we are here to support you, checking in, caring, and being present for those in need. Anyone who is experiencing fear, distress, or emotional burden should know that they are not alone.
ה’ עוז לעמו יתן, ה’ יברך את עמו בשלום
Chanukah Sameach,
HOs and Rabbi Avinoam Czitron
Yeshurun and YAM
