Temple Habonim in Barrington held a special candlelight service/vigil on its front lawn on Sunday night, Dec. 18. 

Titled “Shine a Light on Antisemitism,” the vigil offered the local community an opportunity to stand together against hate and bigotry.

Rabbi Howard Voss-Altman, of Temple Habonim, said a large crowd turned out for the event. He offered a brief message, read a Psalm, and shared a blessing for Hannukah, which began on Sunday. 

The group also sang two songs — “Light One Candle” and “This Little Light of Mine.”

Rabbi Voss-Altman said he felt very heartened by the strong showing of support. The Temple Habonim community was joined by faith leaders and members of the Barrington Congregational Church, St. James Lutheran Church, St. John's Episcopal Church, and Barrington Presbyterian Church, as well as the leaders of Barrington Interfaith Partners.

“We feel very good about the interfaith community,” Rabbi Voss-Altman said. 

The rabbi said he was pleased that the local community was able “to shine a light on hope, to shine a light on goodness and to shine a light on working together to drive out the darkness.”

In a recent interview, Rabbi Voss-Altman referenced incidents in the Oakland Beach section of Warwick where antisemitic flyers were left in plastic bags at peoples’ homes. He also spoke about swastikas written on restroom walls in Bristol Warren schools.

“At this time, the Jewish community has been besieged by public figures, celebrities, politicians, and neo-Nazis in our area who are engaging in the most virulent forms of hatred and bigotry,” he wrote.

The rabbi said Sunday’s event sent a clear message that antisemitism is not to be tolerated, that it is not acceptable.