by Regan Lipes
Lighting the Giant Menorah on Dec. 14.
(AJNews) – The annual lighting of the twenty-one-foot menorah at the Alberta Legislature is always a beautiful sight to behold and attracts representation from all branches of the Edmonton Jewish community and all levels of government. On Sunday, December 14, North America awoke to the devastating news from Bondi Beach Australia that once again, the Jewish people and their allies, were the targets of violent terror after two gunmen, father and son, unleashed their antisemitic rage upon a peaceful celebration in honour of the first night of Chanukah.
From the outside looking in, one might think that Australia’s tragedy would make people in other communities anxious about attending public events so soon after, but this was certainly not the case in either Edmonton or Calgary.
Rabbi Ari Drelich from Chabad Lubavitch of Edmonton was very pleased to share with Alberta Jewish News that attendance exceeded 530, and on a particularly blistery cold night. The chatter amongst attendees reflected the sentiment that to live in fear would be to let dark prevail over light: contrary to the spirit of the holiday.
Security was in full force, and when the screening equipment stopped working because the temperatures were too inhospitable, a snaking line of guests still persevered to squeeze in and claim their spot at the festivities. The main floor of the grand Legislature Rotunda was packed, and a sea of overflow guests were ushered to the balconies of upper levels for a birds-eye-view. People stood shoulder-to-shoulder in heavy winter gear, while little ones crouched on the floor to peer out from between the marble banister posts of the railings.
The Talmud Torah choir was the star of the night!
The choir from Talmud Torah School did an exceptional job filling the space with their voices of joy and celebration led by teacher Ben Ragosin. It was heartwarming to have the sound of children’s voices usher in the warmth of the holiday after a day spent compulsively checking the news. This helped to calm frayed nerves and refocus everyone’s minds, souls, and spirits as a united Jewish community.
Local community musician, Anton Tarnavsky is a banker by day, but he has become quite a staple within the Edmonton circuit as a guitarist, singer, and songwriter. Tarnavsky’s signature sound is definitely his own but also wonderfully reminiscent of Aleksandr Rosenbaum, an artist from the Russian bard tradition. As Tarnavsky boldly and proudly sang “Am Yisrael Chai,” eyes filled with tears, and voices united in strength during the chorus.
Everyone eagerly awaited Rabbi Drelich’s annual Chanukah address. His powerful words at the menorah lighting of 2023 were formidable and comforting in their strength during a time when Jewish communities around the world were so fearful. With the news of Bondi Beach so fresh, again, the community looked for a powerful message.
Rabbi Drelich emphasized that the miracle of Chanukah took place in Eretz Israel. He reiterated that while those who live with hate in their hearts try to fill the world with darkness, the Jewish people will again choose to rise with joy and light. He very meaningfully invited guests, both Jews and allies, to join him in covering their eyes and reciting the Shema. It was a somber and moving moment for everyone in attendance.
The Rabbi also explained that he has been working for some time to have a menorah permanently installed at the Alberta Legislature as a symbol of the Jewish community’s longstanding presence and countless contributions to the province. He has yet to be successful but vows not to be discouraged.
Delicious latkes and sufganiyot were served! Photo by Jim Moses.
As in past years, this thirty-fourth celebration was attended by dignitaries from all three branches of government: municipal, provincial, and Federal and by representatives from the Jewish Federation of Edmonton, who co-sponsored the event. This year, out on the Legislature grounds, Edmonton’s new Chief of Police Warren Driechel, was given the honour of lighting the shamash. It was cold, and children were beginning to get squirmy, but as soon as the shamash lit the first candle of Chanukah and Rabbi Drelich belted out the Brachot, the light filled everyone with the warmth of the season.
The celebration then moved inside for a feast of latkes and sufganiyot, activities for children and opportunities to visit with friends and family. It was an event that stood as testament to the strength and unity of Edmonton’s Jewish community. While in line for fresh and fragrant Chanukah goodies, people definitely checked the news on their phones, and whispered quietly and respectfully about what information was being released. However, the mood was not one of mourning, but of solidarity and the need for Jewish pride – light in the void of darkness, love in the face of hate.
Overhearing chatter from gatherers, many expressed that they had not planned on attending, but made a point of doing so because of the massacre in Australia. Following the event, Rabbi Drelich expressed his impressions of the evening declaring that he remains so impressed with the resilience of the Jewish community.
Regan Lipes is a Local Journalism Initiative Reporter.
Representatives from all three levels of government were in attendance and the community felt they were surrounded by allies. Photo by Jim Moses.
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