While we had to deal with the evil perpetrators who tried to being fear and darkness on our community, we also saw a strong and proud typical Jewish response from our own community.

We came and filled the Shule Tuesday night. We filled it with prayer, song and pride.

It was an uplifting and moving evening. It was witnessing and seeing the power of community at work.

This reminded me of a piece of advice from King David “מאובי תכחמני”- “From my enemies have You given me wisdom”.

 Kind David, A leader and prophet of the Jewish people share this idea thousands of years ago. Yet it is so relevant and meaningful today.

Our response to darkness is to add light. To flip over the darkness into a shining bright light.

The perpetrators attempted to bring darkness with destructive fire, and with hateful written messages.

King David advises us to become “wiser from the enemy”. Let’s flip that darkness into light.

Instead of a destructive fire, lets light a flame of peace and love. The Talmud says that Shabbat candles bring peace into the home. Let’s put an emphasis on the peaceful flames and bring the shabbat message of peace to our homes and the world.
We can make this Friday and every Friday extra special. Lets bring the family around the candles and explain how this is the Jewish way of living. A flame that builds, not one that destroys.

Secondly, we can turn dark hateful writing into sending messages of love and care to others.
Lets take on a good resolution to send out messages of love and peace to our friends and neighbours. Messages that express tolerance and understanding.

This is the Jewish response to darkness. Add light and then add some more. If even a little bit of light can dispel a lot of darkenss, how much more so, if we add a lot of light.

Am Yisrael Chai!