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Chabad Jewish Centre of Saskatoon director Rabbi Raphael Kats said today that there will be a significantly increased police presence and security at this afternoon’s menorah lighting at Remai Modern after a terrorist attack in Australia today, killed at least 11 people at a Hannukah event.
The centre is hosting the free public event at 4:30 p.m., and Kats said in a message to the Jewish community that the centre is in close contact with the Saskatoon Police Service about the event, which will continue as scheduled.
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- Public menorah lighting in Saskatoon carries message of triumph of light over darkness
- Bystander shown in videos disarming gunman during Australian shooting commended for bravery
The lighting of the menorah — a multi-branched candelabra used in the religious rituals of Judaism — is a display of Jewish pride with a powerful message of the triumph of light over darkness, Kats told CKOM News on Friday.
Kats’s message, sent on behalf of himself and his wife Sarah, said they were praying for the wounded and for all those suffering from the “horrific act of hatred.”
“Among those killed was Rabbi Eli Schlanger of Chabad of Bondi, a fellow Chabad colleague and shliach. Rabbi Eli was there preparing for the public menorah lighting — doing what he lived for: bringing light to others.
“Rabbi Eli leaves behind his wife, Chayale, and their children, including a two-month-old baby. The loss is heartbreaking beyond words,” the message read.
“Terror seeks to frighten us, to make us retreat, to dim our light. While fear may be an instinctive response, we cannot allow it to define us.
“This is the very struggle of Chanukah (Hannukah). They tried to extinguish us — but we responded by lighting up.
“Tonight, we will light a single flame. It may feel small against the surrounding darkness, but this is the message of Chanukah: light does not argue with darkness — it shines, and the darkness retreats. What begins as one flame grows, night after night, until the entire menorah is lit.
“The Rebbe taught that the Jewish response to darkness is not retreat, but light: be more Jewish, act more Jewish, appear more Jewish.”
The message also reminded people that “courage in the face of fear is itself a powerful act,” and asked people to attend the public menorah lighting.
“We must increase even more in light and in acts of goodness and kindness … If you know of anyone who needs a menorah or candles, please reach out. We have many to share.”
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