Can There Be Chanukah Joy This Year?

 

 

Shabbat Table Talk from the desk of Rabbi Alexander Seinfeld

Dec 19-20, 2025 • 29 Kislev 5786 • Mikeitz (Gen 41-44).

Try asking this at your table: Is there any silver lining in the Bondi Beach Massacre?

Certainly for the victims and their families, it's hard to even ask this question.

But I would like to suggest we don't lose sight of two facts that matter utterly.

1. The killers and their handlers (likely Iran) want to destroy Judaism and the Jewish People.

2. They cannot destroy Judaism and the Jewish People.

3. Every such massacre actually strengthens Judaism and the Jewish People.

The victims who died did not die in vain. Their death has made us all a little bit stronger. 

Let's hang on to that strength, gaze at the candles and think: how lucky we are to be not only on the good side, but also on the winning side.

As Churchill said, "So you've made some enemies? Good for you - that means you stood for something."

Question for your table: Is there any greater joy than knowing that your life has a purpose?

That said, actions speak louder than words. Please support the family of R' Yaakov Levitan here and other victims/families here.


Happy Chanukah and

Shabbat Shalom

PS - to learn more about this remarkable tzaddik and his family, click the image above.

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