Public menorah lights up Cairns
The North Queensland Jewish Community lit a public menorah on the Cairns Esplanade to celebrate the first night of Chanukah.
THE North Queensland Jewish Community lit a public menorah on the Cairns Esplanade to celebrate the first night of Chanukah, in an event with crafts for the children and food for all.
“The menorah serves as a symbol of North Queensland’s dedication to preserve and encourage the right and liberty of all its citizens to worship God freely, openly, and with pride,” said Chabad of Northern Queensland co-director Rabbi Ari Rubin.
“This is true especially in North Queensland. Australia was founded upon and vigorously protects the right of every person to practise his or her religion free from restraint and persecution.
“We have chosen to create our menorah out of glow in the dark materials to commemorate the light overpowering darkness.”
Israel Hajbi of Machans Beach, north of Cairns, said, “I want my kids to grow up with pride in their Jewish heritage and a feeling of equality and self-confidence as Australians.
“Chabad’s Chanukah menorahs are arguably one of the most important developments ever to help my child’s education. I wish they had this where I grew up.”
The menorah lighting was part of a worldwide Chanukah campaign launched by the late Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, in 1973. The campaign highlights and encourages the central theme of the holiday – publicising the story of the Chanukah miracle.
“The message of Chanukah is the message of light,” added Rabbi Rubin.
“The nature of light is that it is always victorious over darkness. A small amount of light dispels a lot of darkness. Another act of goodness and kindness, another act of light, can make all the difference.”
North Queensland’s menorah is one of more than 15,000 large public menorahs that were sponsored by Chabad in more than 100 countries around the world, including in front of landmarks such as the White House, the Eiffel Tower and the Kremlin, helping children and adults of all walks of life discover and enjoy the Chanukah message.
Chabad presented several Chanukah events and celebrations throughout Queensland.
More info: chabadnorthqueensland.com
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