|
 Hesed
"Efraim" began preparations for the lightest and merriest Jewish
holiday - Chanukah a month ago. The script was worked out and the
date was set - the 1 of December. The community was waiting impatiently
for the eight happy days.
And the holiday was really great. In spite of the frost (-32 Ñ) the house
was full. The head of the Jewish cultural center Mark Vitkin congratulated
the guests in Russian and Hebrew. Then the JCC director Svetlana Makarovskaya
read out the greetings sent from other Kazakhstani communities and from
abroad.
The coordinator of religious programs Lev Kuntarovsky said an ancient
prayer "Al ha-Nisim" ("About Miracles") composed in
the period of Hasmonees and offered up on holidays. After that "Shalom"
music band sang two songs: "Chanukah, a Merry Holiday" and "Let's
Light Up Chanukah Candles". And then there was the culmination point
of the meeting - Lev Kuntarovsky said the prayer over the Chanukah candles.
After the candles were lit the choir of boys said "Shma, Yisrael"
prayer and sang "Chanukah Lights" song.
After the solemn ceremony the guests tasted the traditional food: latkes
and sufganiot. The rest of the celebration was no less merry, interesting,
and tasty. "Shalom" band sang favorite songs, children and adults
solved Chanukah quiz and were awarded with prizes. It was pleasant to
see that Tzedakah was not left aside - it meant that for many people Mizvot
became a part of observing the Jewish Tradition.
A family that has recently come back from Israel heartily thanked organizers
of the celebration and said: "Believe us, we haven't celebrated Chanukah
so warmly and merrily even in Israel. The holiday was great. Thank all
of you!'
Igor Zhigarlovsky
|
