On Thursday evening, the Dallas Jewish community gathered at Kyle Warren Park to light the menorah for Hanukkah, a ceremony that took on new meaning after a tragic attack at a Jewish festival in Australia.
A Tradition Gaining Weight
The menorah lighting at Klyde Warren Park is a yearly event that usually draws a large crowd. This year, organizers told NBC 5 that the event carries extra weight because of the recent attack. They said it is about showing pride in their faith despite the sadness that has lingered over the past several days.
Lighting Five Candles, Lighting Five Days
Five candles were lit on the menorah, each representing one of the five days of Hanukkah. Hundreds of people gathered at the park to take part in the ceremony. While there were celebratory moments, the event also set aside space for reflection.
Rabbi Mendy Plotkin on the Bondi Beach Attack
Rabbi Mendy Plotkin said the December 14th attack at Australia’s Bondi Beach made the event even more significant. He asked, “In moments of terror, in moments of horror, do we step down? Do we get swallowed up by the darkness? Or do we come out brighter, louder, stronger?”
The Bondi Beach Tragedy
On Sunday, during a Hanukkah celebration at the beach, gunmen opened fire on the crowd, killing 15 people, ages ten to 87. Houston Rabbi Chaim Lazaroff had a nephew present at the celebration during the attack. His nephew survived but remains in critical condition.
A Volunteer’s Story
“He was there for a year to volunteer his time to give back to the community and to support the local Jewish community there, and he was working in the event as a volunteer for Hanukkah in Sydney,” said Rabbi Lazaroff. “Through it all, his faith remains strong.”
Security and Community Support in Dallas
Back in Dallas, sworn Dallas Police Officers and volunteer security kept a watchful eye over the celebration. An armed guard with Shomer Texas volunteer security said, “Our goal is to take the worries off of their shoulders so they can just enjoy and have a good time, celebrate, and leave the safety and security to us and know we’ve got their back.”
Messages of Resilience
Rabbi Plotkin said the Jewish community will remain steadfast in their faith during this time. “We’re doing good and evil is not going to hurt us,” he said. “It might take away some of our best, but we’re going to come back and shine better than ever before.”
Key Takeaways
- Dallas Jewish community lights menorah at Klyde Warren Park amid heightened significance after Bondi Beach attack.
- Five candles represent five days of Hanukkah; hundreds attended.
- Rabbi Plotkin urges resilience and brighter future.
The ceremony served both as a celebration of faith and a moment of remembrance, reminding attendees that hope can rise even in the face of tragedy.
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