The event took place in the presence of the rabbi of the Western Wall and holy sites, Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz; the chief rabbi of Beer Sheva, Rabbi Yehuda Deri; the director of the Western Wall Heritage Foundation, Mordechai (Suli) Eliav, and the general public.
Rabbi of the city of Be’er Sheva, Rabbi Yehuda Deri shilta: “The Hanukkah holiday teaches us that the steadfast spirit of the Jewish people will always prevail. We will stay the course, neither flinching nor fearing to stand for the holy ones of Israel. We can fortify the walls of religion in Israel, like the Hasmoneans and their sons, who gave their souls for the honor of the Torah and the mitzvot. They knew that these are our foundations. We will learn from them that our foundations are Torah, shabbat and faith – and these are what we fight for. If something is bought with the currency of self-sacrifice it will always be ours. Happy Holiday of Lights!”
MK Bezalel Smotritz: “On the Hanukkah holiday we celebrate dedication and self-sacrifice. We learn from Matityahu and his sons about everyday dedication to love and be responsible to one another. We learn about the determination, the investment and the desire to give one’s soul for another and for the people of Israel in general. When one gives up his soul, there is a heavenly blessing. May we receive a great blessing from heaven, to see the building of the Mikdash soon, Amen!”
The candle-lighting was broadcast tonight as well in community centers around Beer Sheva and on a giant screen in Habima square.
