Yeshiva lights the real thing
Last week, Sydney Yeshiva along with the NSWJBD ran a dummy run of lighting the Menorah at the NSW State Parliament. Last night, they lit the real thing on the second night of Chanukah…the giant menorah in the city’s Martin Place.
David Clarke, Rabbi Pinchas Feldman, Ron Hoenig, John Robertson and Bruce Notley-Smith photo: Henry Benjamin
Rabbi Sebban and Rabbi Levy light the Menorah
But last night Rabbi Elimelech Levy of Chabad Youth NSW and Rabbi David Sebban of CBD Chabad braved wild winds as a cherry-picker lifted them high above a packed top end of Martin Place to light the giant Menorah on the second of Chanukah.
Politicians backed up their appearance at last week’s dummy lighting with speeches made by Bruce Notley-Smith, Ron Hoenig, David Clarke and Leader of the Opposition John Robertson.
In his address, David Clarke said that the late Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, would be watching from heaven and would have a smile on his face.
All politicians made mention of the work done by Chabad not just within the Jewish community but in the broader community as well.
Gil
I perceive you as seeking tirelessly substance.
Rituals, such as the one we are dealing with here, contain complex messages.
Most people dwelling where these symbols are displayed would have degrees of knowledge or would be curious to find out the meanings contained.
Those indiferent lead their lives as such, those interested would find the substance the symbols represent.
And such, as Petronius said, “Nihil est quod non mortalibus afferat usum.”
There is nothing that could not be useful to man.
Is it just me or does anyone else in the Jewish community also question the benefit of forcing down the throats of Non Jewish Australians, Jewish customs and observances.
By the publicity these events receive it is clear that the broader community couldn’t care less. It is one thing for Non Jewish politicians to wish the community a sincere Happy Chanukah, or Happy Rosh Hashoner etc. but it seems that by these acts of going up on a cherry-picker to light a Menorah we are forcing these same politicians to say something good, be it about Chabad or whatever.
I normally don’t respond to these types of issues, but if anyone has an opinion one way or another on what I’ve raised, I’d be happy to hear it.
Gil, mate, let me assure you that you would NOT be happy to hear what I, for instance, would have to say to your opinion………………
Otto,
I simply raised an observation here and any disagreement you may have with it is fine. It is not something I would take personally.
Actually, it would be good to hear from others why we need to push Jewish customs and traditions when past experience indicates the general public are not really that interested in delving into the deeper significance of Chanukah when they see for example, a menorah being lit.
That’s all I’m saying.
Maybe events like this in public are absolutely worthwhile.
Let me know what you think are the true and lasting benefits.
Gil
we lasted because of the light we received and the light we brought onto the world. That is what has made us worthwhile.
Otto,
You have TOTALLY missed the point.
I don’t deny anything you have said.
I am asking why you think the physical act of lighting a menorah in its own right in public will have any educational value or significance TO THOSE WHO ARE NOT JEWISH.
I agree with the words you say above, but that is not getting out.
Only the physical act of lighting the menorah is, with no explanation.
Wow that would have been a great story for the 7 News as they’re right there in Martins Place, yet nothing seen or heard on the News. Ooops 4got no Muslim or Islamic contents. Guess they could have shown it and condemed the act… at least us country bumkins could witness this wonderful event.