Chanukah Comes Early to New South Wales Parliament

Multicultural NSW hosted the annual Pre-Chanukah Celebration at NSW Parliament, a tradition that began over a decade ago when Rabbi Pinchus Feldman OAM gifted a silver Menorah to Parliament on behalf of Chabad NSW.

The Menorah is on permanent display in the historic Parkes Room and is brought out annually to be kindled as part of the pre-Chanukah celebration.

Ms. Gabrielle Upton MP, member for Vaucluse, opened the proceedings welcoming Multiculturalism Minister Mark Coure MP, shadow Multiculturalism Minister Steve Kamper MP and a host of Parliamentarians, Ministers and community leaders.

Rabbi Danny Yaffe, Director of Chabad of the CBD of Sydney recited an invocation prayer for His Majesty King Charles as well as a prayer for Federal, State and Local parliamentarians including those in the defense force, police, paramedics and public servants.

Minister of Multiculturalism Mark Coure MP and the shadow minister Steve Kamper MP both addressed the gathering, highlighting the contributions that the Jewish Community have made to the Sydney community and wider Australian society.

Rabbi Eli Feldman, Chief Minister of Newtown Synagogue and Jewish Chaplain for NSW Universities recited the blessings for lighting the Menorah. Rabbi Feldman recited the blessings without G-Ds name, as the event was held prior to Chanukah.

All eight candles were then lit by prominent women in the the Sydney Jewish Community, followed by a beautiful rendition of the Maoz Tzur melody sung by Rabbi Chaim Ingram OAM.

Natalie Rubenstein, Vice President of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies addressed the attendees with an inspiring message connecting the eight candles of Chanukah with the importance of equality, respect and communal harmony.