The first Chanukah candles in the capital of Kazakhstan were lit in Hesed "Astana". In the homely atmosphere the new Hesed director Yelena Levina congartulated the guests. Then the members of the youth club told about the miracle that occured about two thousand years ago. People of the elder generation shared their recollections about the way their parents celebrated Chanukah during the war and hunger. They will never forget Chanukiahs made of potatoes and filled with margarine.

  Two hours later the entire community gathered in one of the central Astana squares. Rabbi Yehuda Kubalkin lit up the first candle in the Chanukiah. In the dark December night its light warmed up our souls and attracted citizens to the festival.

Yelena Kushnirskaya