Lighting of Menorah Symbolizes Hope and Freedom

Local Jewish community leader Rabbi Yossi Mintz delivered a solemn but unifying address on Sunday as he oversaw the traditional Chanukah celebration on Pier Plaza.

Sunday's event came just hours after the mass shooting in Bondi Beach, Sydney that saw 15 people killed and many others injured. Rabbi Mintz spoke emotionally as he honored those murdered, including a 'dear colleague' Eli Schlanger. Rabbi Schlanger was 41 years old, a father of five and had welcomed a baby son just three months ago. He was the assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi.

Rabbi Mintz described the lighting of the Menorah and its historical significance, pausing to explain the connection of Chanukah to the Hebrew word chinuch, meaning education. He spoke of the need for perseverance and the importance of religious freedom, saying "we will not be bowed by darkness".

The celebration included free donuts and latkes, symbolizing the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days; a performance by local children; the 'gelt drop' with chocolate coins on small parachutes tossed from a fire truck ladder, and of course the menorah lighting ceremony.

Chanukah and The Menorah (click to read)

Chanukah (The Festival of Lights)

An 8-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem around 165 BCE, after the Maccabees defeated the Seleucid Empire
Celebrates both a military victory and a miracle: when the Jews reclaimed the Temple, they found only enough purified oil to light the Temple menorah for one day, but it miraculously burned for eight days
Typically falls in November or December (dates vary based on the Hebrew calendar)
Celebrated with lighting candles, playing dreidel, eating fried foods like latkes and sufganiyot (jelly donuts), and giving gifts or gelt (chocolate coins)

The Menorah/Chanukiah

A special 9-branched candelabrum used specifically for Chanukah (distinct from the 7-branched menorah used in the ancient Temple)
Eight branches represent the eight nights of the miracle; the ninth branch holds the "shamash" (helper candle) used to light the others
One additional candle is lit each night, starting with one on the first night and ending with all eight on the final night
Traditionally placed in a window or doorway to publicize the miracle
Candles are lit after sunset, from right to left, but the newest candle (leftmost) is lit first each night