A Message of Grief, Solidarity and Community | Sydney, Australia

Dear Friends,

We awoke today to the tragic news of a mass shooting that killed 11 people at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney, Australia. Our hearts grieve for the victims and their loved ones, and we stand in solidarity with world Jewry against the terrifying increase in antisemitism.

“Furious they assailed us, but Your arm availed us,” we will sing tonight as we welcome Hanukkah at our own tables. We are reminded of God’s partnership in difficult times, and our own power to bring light into the world by living full and joyous Jewish lives.

Temple Emanu-El has started a wonderful week of Hanukkah celebration with the theme “What Makes You Glow.” We look forward to seeing you at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Light Up the Night at NorthPark annual festive concert, where appropriate security plans are already in place, and both DPD and private NorthPark security will be present and on high alert. We also can’t wait to welcome you at the All-In Shabbat and congregational dinner on Friday night at 6 p.m., when our community will light hundreds of hanukkiyot together in Olan Sanctuary.

In his sermon Friday night, Rabbi David Stern taught us the phrase, ma’alin bakodesh ve’ein moridin: “in matters of holiness, one should increase and never decrease.” As the Hanukkah flames increase from night to night, may the lights of healing, justice and community bring us strength and comfort to illuminate our world.

Rabbi David Stern
Sara M. Albert, President
Meredith J. Fried Fedyk, Executive Director