The community gathers for the ceremony.
Reminder Publishing photo by Peter Tuohy
LONGMEADOW — Families gathered in the Longmeadow Town Green on Dec. 18, where Lubavitcher Yeshiva Academy Rabbi Noach Kosofsky lit the menorah for the fifth night of Hanukkah.
Kosofsky spoke about being resilient after the Bondi Beach shooting in Sydney, Australia on Dec. 14, which took the lives of 15 people during a Hanukkah celebration. Kosofsky said the celebration of Hanukkah turned into a massacre.
“Each night, we light the menorah, we add light,” Kosofsky said. “In the darkness and the challenges, we bring light and find goodness in every situation.”
The youngest victim was 10-year-old Matilda, whose last name is being held at the request of her family. Kosofsky said Matilda was described as a bright, joyful and spirited child by everyone around her. Kosofsky said Rabbi Eli Schlanger, who was known as the Bondi Rabbi, was described as a wonderful, beautiful man full of boundless energy.
Kosofsky said that the Jewish community will continue to stand with pride and not hide from enemies. He said the same night, hundreds gathered at Bondi Beach to light the menorah in honor of the victims.
“You must go forward, you must stand tall,” Kosofsky said. “The way we fight darkness is with light, goodness will always prevail.”
The menorah was then lit for the five nights, followed by a parachute drop from the top of a Longmeadow Fire Department truck ladder.
Top row, from left: Kosofsky begins his speech, honoring the victims of the Bondi Beach shooting. Longmeadow Police Chief Robert Stocks tells the crowd he’s committed to safety. Select Board Chair Josh Levine gives a few words. Bottom row, from left: The menorah lighting begins. Kosofsky sings after the menorah is lit. At right, the Longmeadow Fire Department drops parachutes with gifts for the children.
Reminder Publishing photos by Peter Tuohy
