CHANUKAH IN KAZAKHSTAN

  On December 1 the Jewish Community of Almaty city celebrated Chanukah. Together with us the festival of lights was celebrated in 90 Kazakhstani cities. The light of Chanukiah again illuminated the Kazakhstani Diaspora. Hag Chanukah Sameah!

  Concert hall was full of sparkling eyes, shining smiles, and children's laughter. The organizers invited not only members of the community, but also good friends. The Jews were congratulated by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Poland Zdislav Novitski, the Ambassador of Turkey Chinar Aldemir, representatives of the Ukrainian Embassy and local authorities. Among our distinguished guests were also the Ambassador of Israel Moshe Kamhi, the Consul of Israel Dan Meiri, the representative of the International Jewish agency "Cokhnut" Shlomo Azarov, chief executive of the Eurasian Jewish Congress Fyodor Ossinin, and the president of "Mitsva" Association Alexander Baron.

  After rabbi Elhanan Kogen said the prayer and lit Chanukah candles the concert began. Theatrical performance on the subject of the history of Chanukah was a pleasant surprise for guests. The familiar story was told anew. Professional artists and amateur actors from "Rimon" JCC met on the same stage. Inimitable Antioh (famous Kazakhstani artist Anatoly Krezhenchukov) met with a fitting rebuff of Matityahu and his sons, beginner actors from the youth club. Inspired voice of the leading actress of Lermontov Theatre Tatyana Banchenko carried the spectators away to the time of Macabees transmitting the immortal glory of the Jews to their descendants. The audience was waiting for the miracle, the miracle that occurred centuries ago, but was not forgotten.

  Latkes, doughnuts, coins given to children and "Hava Nagilah" continued the celebration. General revival made the Chanukiah burn brighter. Its light reflected in shining eyes of the community members roused the desire of Jews to be together forever. We wish you happy and merry Chanukah!

Galina Goldberg