Northwoods Mall menorah lighting carries deeper meaning following deadly Australia attack
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — A towering menorah now stands once again inside Northwoods Mall, but this year’s display carries a deeper and more somber meaning.
Rabbi Eli Langsam of Chabad Jewish Center of Peoria said the annual Hanukkah menorah installation, a tradition now in its 24th year at the mall, comes just hours after a deadly attack at a Hanukkah celebration in Bondi Beach, Australia.
According to Langsam, 16 people were killed while lighting a menorah on the beach, including two rabbis he personally knew, in what authorities overseas are calling a targeted act of violence against the Jewish community.
“The significance of setting up the menorah today takes on a whole new dimension,” Langsam said. “They were murdered simply because they were doing what rabbis do best, bringing light and kindness to the world.”
Langsam says the tragedy underscores the central message of Hanukkah. Light over darkness and good over evil.
“Even though those who try to diminish the light want fear to win, we will continue bringing light no matter where, no matter how, no matter when,” he said. “Light and kindness can overpower anything.”
The public menorah at Northwoods Mall, Langsam said, is intentionally placed in a highly visible space to send a broader message beyond the Jewish community.
“The message of Hanukkah is not just a Jewish message,” he said. “The menorah is a symbol of religious freedom, for everyone, no matter who you are or where you come from.”
He adds that moments of tragedy are when unity matters most.
“Hate and violence have no place in society,” Langsam said. “The response has to be unity, kindness and standing together.”
Langsam also encouraged community members to check in on one another during the holiday season and to choose compassion in the face of fear.
“Go into a dark room and light a small candle, it makes a difference,” he said. “That’s why during Hanukkah, we don’t just keep the same light. We increase it every night.”
For those who may need Hanukkah supplies, Langsam says Chabad Jewish Center of Peoria is offering menorahs, candles and dreidels to anyone who needs them.
Residents can call 309-692-2250 or visit JewishPeoria.com for more information.
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