Jewish
community of Karaganda City celebrated Sukkoth on 7 October. The weather was
warm and sunny. More than 100 people came to quiet place in the center of the
town. They built only one sukka but it was very big - 3 meter each side.
Since people need informal contacts and spiritual life they gathered to celebrate
Sukkoth. There were all generations of Jews because many Jewish organizations
participated in it: Hesed, Community Center, Sokhnut, Religious Community and
Sunday school.
I told them about the history and tradition of the Holiday. I was
very inspired with my speech in fresh air, in informal atmosphere in front of
the big auditory, and I was in a good mood for the rest of the day.
We had 4 traditional plants ("arbaa minim") but unfortunately
only one set. So we said the traditional prayers and walked around sukka. After
that everybody had meal, the food seemed to be very good. Then there was a competition,
people had to tell a funny Jewish anecdote. Eduard Kovtun - a man with
a really good sense of humor won the competition.
The last day of Sukkoth has a special name - Oshana Raba,
this day goes after Rosh-Ha-Shannah and per se is one of the Judgment days.
Someone can merit forgiveness, someone not…For Sukkoth there is reading the
book "Koelet" (Ekklesiast). The members of the Historical Club "My
people" were reading this book during the holiday week.
Alexander Abramovich
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