December 14, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we awake to the news this morning that there was an antisemitic mass shooting attack at a Chanukah celebration in Sydney, Australia. Our Festival of Lights is darkened by this horrific and devastating event. Our hearts go out to the families of the victims and we pray for healing for those who were injured.
At Beth Emet, we remain ever vigilant in our safety and security measures. Both visible and behind-the-scenes practices to keep our community safe continue to be in place. The Evanston Police Department is aware of the need for heightened presence and remains supportive of our community.
To be Jewish is to hold a multitude within us. Too often, that includes both reacting to hatred directed at our community and holding hope, joy, and pride in who we are. As we kindle the first lights of Chanukah tonight, we affirm our resolve to gather, pray, and celebrate as Jews in safety.
During Chanukah we light an increasing number of candles each night symbolizing our commitment to elevate holiness in our world. We pray that the light that persisted in our broken and shattered Temple in ancient times also perseveres within each of us, growing strong enough to hold and support one another during this difficult, and still hopeful, time.
Rabbi London
Nisan Chavkin, President
