Chanukah, which means “dedication,” is the festival that commemorates the purification and rededication of the Temple following the Greek occupation of that holy place. Today, the holiday reminds Jews to rededicate themselves to keeping alive the flame of Jewish religion, culture, and peoplehood so that it may be passed on to the next generation.
Today there are those in Israel seeking to extinguish the diversity of Jewish life by claiming that “there is only one way to be Jewish” and insisting that only an ultra-Orthodox rabbinate can control marriages, conversions, funerals etc.
ARZA believes that there are many ways to be Jewish and that it is our diversity that keeps us connected to each other – and to Israel. This Chanukah we will rededicate our efforts in the World Zionist Congress, and in the Zionist Federation of Australia, to celebrating and maintaining the richness and diversity of Jewish life, culture and religion. Chag Sameach!
Steve Denenberg
ARZA Australia President