Illini Chabad's Senior Rabbi Shares Heartfelt Reflections on a Bittersweet First Night of Hanukkah

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CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — The festival of Hanukkah, typically celebrated with joy and illumination, began on a somber note this year. Tragedy struck in Sydney, Australia, where an attack on a Jewish celebration resulted in the deaths of at least 15 individuals and left dozens more injured.

Among those grieving the loss are members of the Illini Chabad community in Champaign. Dovid Tiechtel, the senior rabbi and executive director at Illini Chabad, shared that the attack claimed the lives of two of his colleagues. Additionally, a classmate of his son is among those seriously injured in the incident.

Despite the heavy hearts, the community came together on Sunday night to mark the start of Hanukkah. Students and faculty gathered to light the menorah, partake in traditional holiday foods, and enjoy the game of dreidel, seeking solace in their shared traditions and unity.

Rabbi Tiechtel expressed the mixed emotions felt during this time. While Hanukkah traditionally symbolizes hope and light, the recent events cast a shadow over the celebrations. Nonetheless, the community remains resilient, drawing strength from their faith and each other.

“It’s extremely painful, and we have to allow ourselves to feel the pain and experience the pain at the same time. We have to think, ‘What are we going to do with this pain?’ It’s by no coincidence it’s Hanukkah. So, tonight we’re going to celebrate our life. We’re going to celebrate being Jewish. We’re going to celebrate being proud, and we’re going to kindle the menorah, kindling the menorah, symbolizing light over darkness,” Tiechtel said.

He added that menorah celebrations will continue in dorms and Greek houses all eight nights of Hanukkah. If you’re looking for a menorah to join in the celebrations, Tiechtel said that you can just call the Illini Chabad.