More Chanukah menorahs for St Kilda
Chabad Rabbi refuses to be intimidated following attack on his home
In a bold response to recent antisemitic incidents, Chabad St Kilda is significantly expanding its Chanukah celebrations across the City of Port Phillip.
Rabbi Effy Block has announced the installation of multiple large menorahs throughout the area in Melbourne’s south.
The expansion comes despite recent targeted attacks, including the vandalism of Rabbi Block’s home by masked perpetrators.
“We’re not going to be intimidated or fazed by these cowards who have face masks at 4am in the morning,” Rabbi Block declared. “We’re going to continuously spread the light, and we know that we have Hashem on our side.”
The ambitious plans include two nine-foot menorahs outside St Kilda Town Hall and Acland Street Plaza, alongside six additional six-foot menorahs at prominent locations including Elwood Beach, Luna Park, Alma Park, the Botanical Gardens, Renfrey Reserve, and Alfred Square.
“This is an annual thing that we’ve been doing, but especially this year, in light of recent developments for the Jewish community, we’ve decided to go stronger and better,” Rabbi Block explained.
The initiative carries a powerful message, with signs declaring “Light up the world with kindness” accompanying the displays.
The rabbi, who recently returned from New York to news of the Adass synagogue fire bombing, expressed concern about the escalating situation.
“It’s a wake-up call for Victoria, for all Victorians and all Australians, that we have to stamp out this ideology,” he said, noting his frustration that perpetrators remain at large despite a reported police task force of 50 investigating the incidents.
Despite these challenges, Rabbi Block emphasises the importance of maintaining Jewish pride and unity in the face of adversity.
“The message that I want to share with the Jewish community and the broader community is that we have to be proud of who we are,” he stated.
“We are Jews. This is our identity.”
He drew parallels to historical persecution, noting that “just like unfortunately Nazi Germany didn’t discriminate what type of Jew you are… now we are not discriminated. Every Jew is equal.”
The Chabad house will host four Chanukah events throughout the festival, with Rabbi Block explaining the symbolism of adding a new candle each night – “When we add in light, in positivity, in kindness… the darkness will be dispelled, because the darkness has no substance on its own. It’s just the absence of light.”
Rabbi Block praised the City of Port Phillip’s cooperation in facilitating the expanded celebrations, noting their support in efficiently providing the necessary permits.
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