With a grandiose menorah towering over Kennedy Plaza, Chabad of the Beaches Rabbi Eli Goodman delivered a powerful message Sunday night as members of the community gathered for the first night of Hanukkah.
“We stand with the Jewish community of Sydney, and with the Jews everywhere,” Goodman said. “This pain is deep, personal and very real.”
Goodman, originally from Melbourne, condemned the recent antisemitic attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney Australia, where 1,000 Jews were targeted during their celebration.
He also criticized Australian leadership for their lack of response during a time when antisemitic attacks have not been challenged.
“When rhetoric remains unchecked, it doesn’t remain rhetorical,” Goodman said. “It moves from words to fire, from slogans to violence, and now tragically we see the results.”
The attack claimed the life of Eli Schlanger, an assistant rabbi at Chabad-Lubavitch of Bondi in Sydney who was a key organizer of Chabad of Bondi’s “Channukah by the Sea” where the attack occurred — who Goodman knew well.
Goodman thanked the Long Beach City Council, city officials, and newly elected city leadership for their support, and emphasized the importance of standing strong against hatred, symbolized by the lighting of the menorah and the presence of children.
“You have shown moral courage, stood for moral dignity, truth, and the Jewish community as an integral part of our city’s success,” Goodman said. “May you continue to bring light, safety, and unity to this city and beyond.”
This year’s menorah lighting featured flying dreidels and chocolate gelt, and included an appearance from Judah the Maccabee.
Attendees enjoyed holiday staples such as potato latkes and jelly donuts, as well as hot coffee to keep warm.
The night also included the singing of Jewish hymns from Temple Emmanuel Hebrew School, Betzalel Milstein Hebrew School, and the Chabad of the Beaches’ Aleph Academy.
Goodman gave thanks to presenting sponsor Long Beach Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
He also gave thanks to Country Boy Bakery, FC Mint, Starbucks, The Sholom & Pessy Jacobs Foundation, and Trader Joe’s.
City Council President Brendan Finn, spoke on the impact of the menorah lighting, calling it “an emblem of strength and resilience of the Jewish people.”
“Though our hearts are heavy thinking about the victims of the terrorist attack against Jews celebrating Hanukkah in Sydney, Australia, we join together as a community,” he said. “We stand strong, united — and in keeping with the spirit of the holiday as we light the menorah — committed to adding more light to the world even in the darkest moments.”
