Lexington menorah lighting honors victims of recent attacks against Jewish community
Jewish leaders and community members in Lexington gathered Sunday in solidarity with five people who were seriously injured Saturday night in an attack on the home of a rabbi in Monsey, N.Y.
On Sunday night, Rabbi Shlomo Litvin of Chabad of the Bluegrass spoke and lit the center light of a menorah at The Summit at Fritz Farm, according to a news release from Chabad of the Bluegrass.
The public service also honored the victims of other recent attacks against Jewish people, including the fatal shooting of three people at a kosher market in Jersey City earlier this month. A police detective was also killed in the Jersey City shooting.
“These attacks can no longer be seen as isolated incidences,” Litvin said in advance of the gathering. “Violence against Jews to this degree is unprecedented in American history and requires an unprecedented response. First and foremost, it requires a strong condemnation of anti-semitism regardless if it’s coming from the right or the left, and especially when coming from public figures and elected officials.”
“The Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Shneerson, instituted public menorah lighting to bring more light into the world,” said Shoshi Litvin, director of Chabad of the Bluegrass. “That light has never been more needed.
“You can’t beat back hate with a broom or a stick,” Litvin said, according to WKYT. “You have to beat it back with light.”
This story was originally published December 29, 2019 at 4:53 PM.
