12/14/2025
BH
Dear Friends and Members of Our Community,
You have no doubt heard of the horrifying tragedy that occurred at Bondi Beach. We are deeply shaken by this senseless act of violence. May Hashem, in His infinite mercy, comfort the families who have lost loved ones, grant healing to the injured, and protect all of Klal Yisrael.
Rabbi Eli Schlanger was our son Leibl's dorm counselor during his yeshiva days, making this loss all the more painful.
As we observe the Festival of Chanukah here in the United States, it is essential to reflect upon the origins and enduring message of this sacred holiday. Chanukah was born during a time of profound spiritual darkness for the Jewish people.
Despite overwhelming odds, the Maccabees rose with courage and faith, defeated their oppressors, and rekindled the Menorah with pure oil. Their victory reminds us that spiritual light, even when small, has the power to overcome great darkness.
King Solomon teaches that a candle is comprised of two elements: a candle and a flame. The candle represents the observance of mitzvotāG-dās commandmentsāwhile the flame represents the study of Torah. Only when both are present can true light emerge. This lesson lies at the heart of Chanukah.
As the Lubavitcher Rebbe, of blessed memory, so eloquently expressed:
āChanukah is a symbol and message of the triumph of freedom over oppression, of spirit over matter, and of light over darkness.ā
In light of the recent terrorist attack, we wish to reassure the community that we are taking every measure to ensure safety. In addition to our security team, there will be a visible police presence at our public Menorah lighting tonight.
At the same time, our foremost response as Jews is to increase in holiness and light.
We therefore respectfully encourage everyone to strengthen themselves spiritually during Chanukah in the following ways:
1. Men are encouraged to put on tefillin.
2. Women are encouraged to light Shabbat candles this Friday evening.
3. Increase in the giving of tzedakah throughout Chanukah.
4. Celebrate Chanukah with your family and friends and participate in community Chanukah gatherings.
5. Give Chanukah gelt to children and grandchildren, encouraging them to allocate part of it toward Jewish books and charity.
6. Dedicate time each day to Torah study, even if only for eight minutes.
7. Strengthen oneās faith in Hashem and in the ultimate redemption through the coming of our righteous Moshiach.
8. Perform all of the above with Ahavat Yisraelāgenuine love and concern for one another.
We look forward to welcoming you this evening and throughout Chanukah at public Menorah lightings and Chanukah celebrations throughout the Bay Area.
May our prayers bring comfort to those who mourn, healing to the injured, and protection to our people. May we soon merit the fulfillment of the prophetic promise that āthose who dwell in the dust shall arise and sing,ā with the coming of Moshiach, speedily in our days.
With blessings for a meaningful and illuminating Chanukah,
Rabbi Yehuda Ferris
