This anger, this darkness, this spilling out of anger I know is frightening to many.
I hear that from many of you and I want to share the commitment I’m experiencing to safety and security for our community and our Chanukah gatherings this week, both tonight’s interfaith lighting and Friday’s families’ and members’ Shabbat Chanukah.
We continue to light. From Talmud onwards through Maimonides, Shulchan Aruch to today, we’re encouraged to light the chanukiah in a public space at our home’s entrance. But always there’s the proviso of you don’t feel safe, don’t do it. That tightrope of sentiments is where, maybe, we all are right now. It’s ok.
I’m holding on to the kindness and heroism of Boris and Sophia Gurman who lost their lives trying to stop the gunmen, and of Ahmad Fatih Al Ahmed, who literally put himself and his body on the line to protect those being attacked. The world has those souls, as well as the others. Let’s add to the former this Chanukah with courage and connection.
But I’m here for everyone. Please reach out if you need me.
Wishing you a meaningful Chanukah with as much light and love as you can muster.
Shabbat Shalom too.
Rebecca
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