A Chanukah message from Student Rabbi Yael

Dear Community,

On Sunday we truly embodied the spirit of Chanukah – bringing joy and celebration to the darkest time of the year. Our children (and grown-ups!) delighted over mushing up modeling clay, making sparkly artwork and decorating Chanukah biscuits. Laughter and music were in the air as Michal’s epic masterpiece, Chava & the Chanukah Goblins, came on tour to Willesden Green, with a star-studded cast of Debbie, Stacy, Michal and I suppose, me (I never thought of myself as much of a Beyonce, but word on the WhatsApp is that I pulled it off). Shout out to Sam on sound and Jaime as the Goblin Queen’s head. The potluck was of epic proportions – you all truly came through to make a proper feast. Our study session brought some calm to the evening, as we delved into the complexities of the Chanukah story and reflected on what it means for us today. The evening was the result of the combined efforts of the Chanukah Team – Michal & Jaime – who stepped to organise the event with me, the logistical support of the amazing Amita, the kitchen help of Lais, the crafting talents of Debbie, the security provided by Martin, and all those who stepped up to contribute in many ways, visible and invisible. The event was a true example Makor Hayim’s spirit of co-creation. Well done to all.

To sum up: we did Jewish and we did it joyfully, with all of the Makor Hayim spirit that we’re known for. The evening was a true source of life.

And yet, we all know that there are far scarier things in this world than Chanukah goblins. Our celebration was dampened by the news of the shootings in Bondi Beach. Another attack against our people – and on this most joyous festival, of all times! Our hearts break for our siblings in Australia, for those dead, injured and traumatised. I know that many of us are holding so many emotions around this event – fear, anxiety, anger, sadness, perhaps even a hardened sense of deja-vu, that something like this is all too expected these days. In spite of all this, we did what we always have done as a Jewish people: we persisted, we celebrated, we made our festival happen and we insisted on enjoying it. We refused to let anti-Semitism rain on our parade.

This week, I’ve had Peter, Paul & Mary’s song, “Light One Candle”, running through my head. It’s always been one of my favourite Chanukah songs. The chorus goes: “Don’t let the light go out, it’s lasted for so many years. Don’t let the light go out, let it shine through our love and our tears.” We didn’t let the light go out. We won’t let the light go out. Our tears may shine on our faces, but we will embrace love and we will embrace life.

I do want to acknowledge that as much as we continue to survive and celebrate, it’s not as easy or simple as all that. If you need to talk, please feel free to reach out. I’ll do my best to be here if you need me.

Sending love, light and comfort,

Student Rabbi Yael