|  About
ten years ago none of us had a clear notion of the Jewish holidays, history, and
Tradition. That was the way people lived during the Soviet Union. Only in the
families with grandmothers and grandfathers born before the revolution Sabbath
candles were still lit, the youth saw talit and heard such words as Pesach, Purim,
and Hanukah.
Unfortunately such families were not numerous
in Kazakhstan. Because of slow expansion of the Soviet power and dense Jewish
population, they were more in the Western, European part of the USSR. As for Western
Ukraine, Byelorussia, Moldavia and Baltic countries - people kept observing
traditions there and even spoke Hebrew!
The Straichsteins
evacuated to Ust-Kamenogorsk from Western Byelorussia were a striking
example of a real Jewish family. They were and still are our advisors and authorities
in the Jewish Tradition.
 Books
also helped us to know who we are and were we are from. Beginning with Lion Feichtwanger's
historical approach and ending with Sholom-Aleichem who described life in Jewish
settlements with a unique humour - writers helped the Jews to preserve their
national identity. Today almost every family has Sholom-Aleichem's collected works.
However, those authors are still not studied at school. Only the most accurate
readers can open the Jewish world for themselves.
The XXI
century is the time of Renaissance for Kazakhstan. We, our children and grandchildren
now have an opportunity to learn the truth about our people. We openly celebrate
Jewish holidays, observe the Tradition, and study our forefathers' language. We
already can sing song in Hebrew on Sabbath and holidays.
And the main Jewish holiday is of course Pesach!
It
is the festival of freedom celebrated for giving birth to the Jewish nation. The
nation that overcame many sorrows and trials, but survived and preserved its belief,
Tradition, and language.
Last year two young rabbies from
Israel conducted Pesach Seder in our town. It was so interesting to listen to
them and to repeat the prayers.
This time the community listened
to the story of escape from slavery. Then the coordinator of Jewish religious
programs Vladimir Fleitlich conducted the Seder. After that a concert began. Sketches,
Jewish melodies and songs sang by "Feigala" children's band and "Esther"
women's vocal band were a real gift to the community.
 The
youth answered quiz questions; children noisily and merrily searched for afikomen
and got presents. The traditional 4 glasses of wine were followed by modern toasts:
"Lehaim!", "For peace on Earth!". And then we danced - yes,
we learnt real Jewish dances. And of course "The next year in Jerusalem!".
It was so nice and merry!
May Pesach
Seder be the same every year!
Fanya Suponitskaya
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