Two days prior to the attack in Sydney, the FBI in arrested four L.A. members of a far-left, pro-Palestinian extremist group for plotting to detonate pipe bombs at five or more locations on New Year's Eve (labeled Operation Midnight Sun).
In the wake of news of the this anti-Jewish influenced violence, Rabbi Moshe Levin of Lubavitch synagogue Beis Bezalel in Los Angeles defended holding his community's public menorah lighting with attractive music.
Speaking at that community gathering, Levin declared that Hanukkah menorah lightings are more important than ever. He particularly emphasized that the menorah’s flame represents an unbroken spiritual light stretching back more than 2,000 years — a light no empire or act of hatred has ever been able to extinguish. “When things grow dark, Jews don’t retreat,” he said. “We respond by lighting more light."
How wise a public Hanukah menorah lighting this week? Chabad Rabbi Moshe Levin, Beis Bezalel
Rabbi Levin said the goal of such violence is to intimidate Jews into silence and fear. Instead, he argued, the proper response is to strengthen Jewish identity and public expression.
Chabad of L.A. held its scheduled public menorah lightings and music with private security
as well as local police around the city - including at a carnival / concert on Sunday 21 Dec.
Drawing on the teachings of King Solomon and Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, he noted that Jewish history shows light emerging strongest from darkness, and that pride in Jewish faith is a source of protection, rather than vulnerability.
Rabbi Levin concluded that public displays of Jewish life are not acts of defiance - but affirmations of continuity and faith. “A little light pushes away a lot of darkness,” he said, adding that each mitzvah strengthens the world and brings humanity closer to redemption.
Alan Zipper, Community Engagement Liason, for L.A. Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky's district participated in a different orthodox menorah lighting on a different day.
What "We Think it's Funny" podcaster, Daniel Lobell takes seriously this holiday season.
Gad Elbaz wows Jewish crowd; gets teens dancing, singing MidEast melodies at L.A Chanukah Carnival
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| Chabad of L.A. held its scheduled public menorah lightings and music with private security as well as local police around the city - including at a carnival / concert on Sunday 21 Dec. |
Rabbi Levin concluded that public displays of Jewish life are not acts of defiance - but affirmations of continuity and faith. “A little light pushes away a lot of darkness,” he said, adding that each mitzvah strengthens the world and brings humanity closer to redemption.
Gad Elbaz wows Jewish crowd; gets teens dancing, singing MidEast melodies at L.A Chanukah Carnival
