December 2025 - A Special Cantor's Message

Friends, once again we find ourselves entering a Jewish holiday accompanied by heartbreak: the terrorist attack on a public Chanukah celebration in Australia which left 15 dead and scores injured. Among those beautiful souls lost were two Rabbis, a 10-year-old girl, and a Holocaust survivor. The brother-in-law of Rabbi Menachem Creditor (who wrote “Olam Chesed Yibane,”  “We will fill this world with love,” which we sang recently) was injured, but will survive.

 We grieve with the families affected and pray for healing, comfort and strength. We are facing times of increased anti-Semitism and many more threats of violence, and one may think that it is time to hide and lay low, but no! The Jewish community is strong and visible and determined. The story of Chanukah is a perfect example of our resilience in the face of those who would seek to harm us. Our history illustrates that a small group of determined Jews can re-shape history.

 Chanukah is a holiday in which, confronted by the world’s darkness, we respond with light. We light candles in defiance of those who wish to extinguish us, to embody our faith and hope that righteousness can prevail over evil and oppression. We light the candles as an act of rededication, affirming our commitment to a world with more justice, compassion, and peace. 

 We kindle the menorah and put it in the window to publicize the miracle of the small vial of oil which burned for eight days. At the same time we are confidently asserting our identity and sense of belonging as Jews. As we light our Chanukah menorah each night this week, may the light push the darkness back. Like the Maccabees, we can summon courage, and our spark of light will radiate light for generations to come. 

 Chag Chanukah sameach,

Cantor Rena