On Sunday, members of the Jewish community in Waterloo, southern Ontario, marked the first night of Hanukkah by lighting a large five-metre-high menorah.
This celebration carried a more somber tone following the mass shooting at a Hanukkah gathering at Bondi Beach in Australia earlier that day, where at least 15 people lost their lives and over 38 were injured by two gunmen at Sydney’s Bondi Beach.
Authorities in Australia have labeled it a terrorist attack aimed specifically at the Jewish community.
Sarah Hazan, who participated in the menorah lighting in uptown Waterloo, shared with that gatherings like these provide support during tough times.
“I think especially at this time with everything that’s going on in the world, we just like to feel a togetherness and sense of community,” she said.
Rivky Goldman, co-director of the Rohr Chabad Centre for Jewish Life in Waterloo and organizer of the event, mentioned that she and her husband, Rabbi Moshe Goldman, felt compelled to strengthen their community and prevent despair from taking hold.
“There wasn’t a minute where we thought we were going to cancel the plans,” she said.
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Hazel Knight of Chabad Waterloo hands out potato latkes. The organization was at the event, giving out a variety of Jewish foods. (Diego Pizarro/CBC)
Oil holds great significance during Hanukkah because it is said that as Jewish rebels fought against oppression under a tyrant king from Damascus 2,200 years ago, they reclaimed a holy temple in Jerusalem. They needed oil to light the menorah for rededication.
They only had enough oil for one night; however, it miraculously lasted eight days. During those eight days, they managed to secure new oil and keep an eternal flame alive.
Goldman expressed hope that many people from all backgrounds would attend this year’s event-not just those who identify as Jewish.
LISTEN | Waterloo Chabad set to celebrate Hanukkah:
The Morning Edition – K-W5:20Menorah to be lit in Waterloo region to mark the start of Hanukkah
Waterloo region will celebrate Hanukkah with three menorah lightings throughout the eight-day festival of lights. Rabbi Moshe Goldman from Rohr Chabad Centre for Jewish Life discusses this celebration of faith.
The act of lighting the menorah and placing it by a window serves as an expression of one’s beliefs. About 17 years ago, local members began lighting large menorahs here which significantly raised awareness about their tradition.
“Even though there was some reluctance or hesitation or concern about how they would go and what results would come from it over time has shown that it’s been wonderful not just for our community but also for everyone else,” he said.
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Rivky Goldman, co-director of Chabad Waterloo says that after witnessing the tragic shooting during another menorah lighting event in Australia they felt driven to continue with theirs. (Diego Pizarro/CBC)
Sefora Catana attended to reconnect with her roots.
“My family does not celebrate because that history was erased during my grandmother’s years,” she shared. “She was only one who survived the Holocaust and to keep her memory alive I celebrate Jewish holidays.”
Monday at 4:30 p. m ET outside Cambridge City Hall.
Thursday December 21st starting promptly at five o’clock PM inside Stratford City Hall.
Finally next Sunday December twenty-first commencing around five o’clock PM within Kitchener City Hall! (X)Police Service announced via X recently they’ll work closely alongside faith leaders while implementing increased proactive measures regarding upcoming celebrations throughout Hanukkah!
The Police remain united condemning all forms violence while reaffirming commitment ensuring safety security within our communities during festive occasions!”
*if you notice anything suspicious please report immediately.*<!–
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A Celebration for Everyone
The annual tradition included delicious fried treats like sufganiyot-jelly-filled doughnuts-and potato latkes. “Everything’s fried because of the miracle of oil. So it’s a cardiologist nightmare, but very delicious,” Rabbi Moshe Goldman told CBC K-W’s The Morning Edition on Friday before Sunday’s event.“My family does not celebrate because that history was erased during my grandmother’s years,” she shared. “She was only one who survived the Holocaust and to keep her memory alive I celebrate Jewish holidays.”
Additional Events Planned
A Fun-nukah Fair took place on Sunday evening outside Guelph’s city hall featuring treats along with entertainment plus another menorah lighting ceremony! No further public events are set up for Hanukkah in Guelph; however police spokesperson Scott Tracey stated their service maintains regular communication with local faith groups “and would respond appropriately to any requests to ensure the community feels safe given this weekend’s unimaginable tragedy in Australia.” This year’s lighting ceremony marks the first among four planned events organized by Waterloo Chabad:Monday at 4:30 p. m ET outside Cambridge City Hall.
Thursday December 21st starting promptly at five o’clock PM inside Stratford City Hall.
Finally next Sunday December twenty-first commencing around five o’clock PM within Kitchener City Hall! (X)Police Service announced via X recently they’ll work closely alongside faith leaders while implementing increased proactive measures regarding upcoming celebrations throughout Hanukkah!
The Police remain united condemning all forms violence while reaffirming commitment ensuring safety security within our communities during festive occasions!”
*if you notice anything suspicious please report immediately.*<!–
Jewish community marks start Hannuka along giant menora lighting
–><!– The regional Jewry celebrated opening festivities marking whole week long holiday embracing warmth & sharing amongst families through food music traditions ! Organizers acknowledged tragic loss occurring across globe reminding them strength lies within unity towards joyous celebrations carrying forth into following days ahead…Source link
