One People, One Heart

Exodus 19:2

We are am echad, and we are lev echad 2x
Shema shema, we are am echad
Shema shema we are lev echad

(Translation inspired by Rashi: One people with one heart; created for Hanukkah December, 2025)
 
When the evil darkness of hate and violence resulted in a horrific mass shooting on Bondi Beach in Sydney Australia on the 1st night of Hanukkah 2025/5786, the worldwide Jewish community was rocked. On the heels of the October 7, 2023 attack with hostages in captivity, and the on-going war with Gaza, worldwide anti-Israel, and anti-semitic sentiments continue to grow. The lights of the menorah call us to recall the resiliency, courage and commitment of the Maccabees and to know we must always share the light of kindness, decency, respect, love and generosity. We are one people and one heart. When one Jew is hurting all of us hurt. May these words support us whenever even one us is hurting, because we are One.

 

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