It seems like a month has passed since the tragic massacre on Bondi Beach broke the news on Sunday evening.
My week is blur of speaking with people, taking media interviews, attending funerals, all while still celebrating Chanuka around regional Australia.
What has taken place has changed the face of Australian Jewry, and Australia as a whole.
I shared some personal thoughts earlier this week on my Facebook page.
I was able to visit communities in Wodonga, Katoomba, and then Dubbo and do our best to connect and grieve together. Early on Wednesday morning, I headed out of Dubbo with my two older children and friend Mendel who had joined me for this trip, headed to Bondi to attend the funeral of Rabbi Eli Schlanger, a close friend and colleague.
Standing in the Synagogue, I was surrounded by a river of tears from family, friends, and acquaintances of the slain rabbi. To see Eli's young son Nosson, just 14 years old, recite the Kaddish over his freshly covered grain was heart wrenching.
Hours later, I was in Newcastle, joining the vigil put on by Rabbi Yossi and Malki Rodal at the Newcastle Syangogue. Over 1,000 people crammed into the Shul and surrounding garden to remember the victims of Australia's worst terrorist attack.
Last night, I was in Coffs Harbour, where we were joined by the community, supportive friends, and the Mayor and Local Member. To see people coming out in support was so heart-warming. I shared some words there, which you can watch here.
I've also been on the phone with too many media outlets to count, as well as intimately involved in some of the fundraising and other support campaigns for the victims. I'm also invovled in efforts to support for the thousands of people that have arrived in Bondi to pay their respects.
Families are grieving and the wounded are still in hospital, undergoing surgeries to remove bullets embedded deep inside of them. Included in them is Shevi's cousin, a young man named Leibel Lazaroff, who arrived only a few months ago from Texas to assist Rabbi Schlanger with his outreach efforts.
We are shocked and we are torn by the tragic events of this week.
We have also seen incredible strength, from Jewish and non-Jewish people alike that heroically saved others during the attack.
With three remaining nights left to Chanuka, our only response must be to continue to add in light. Light the Menorah, and light Shabbat candles tonight. Be proud of your Judaism. As a young mother did, keeping her Menorah lit up outside of her house, following the attacks.
I write this message to share comfort, yet I am needing comfort myself. I pray that we will collectively find comfort with each other, with Hashem's help.
This week, please connect with another. Reach out to someone, check in, and keep together. We have seen the worst this week. Change is needed on every level. Let's do our part to stand tall and proud. Do a Mitzvah, and celebrate your Judaism.
A fundraiser has been established to support the families of the victims. They need security and certainty during the times ahead. You can fund the campaign at supportsydney dot org.
I will share news from our Chanuka activities at a later date. In the meantime, I wish you a Shabbat Shalom.
- Rabbi Menachem Aron