To the Jewish holiday Hanukkah (holiday of Consecration or the holiday of Fires) last Sunday was devoted a concert, which passed in a building of Almaty "Kazakhconcert" and was organized by the city Jewish Cultural Centre "Shalom".

Hanukkah is celebrated in memory of events, which took place during the Second Temple (approximately in 165 years before AD). The Country of Israel was included those days in structure of empire of Selevkids. Its governor Antioh Epifan, it seemed, succeeded in the aspiration to impose to the Jews the Greek culture. For many Jews Hellenism appeared attractive, but that part of the people, which did not wish to refuse from Jewry and Torah, excited rebellion. It was headed by high priest Matityagu Ben Yohanan and five his sons.

The ancient books so describe events of those days: "Greeks severely oppressed Israel, untill The Most High had mercy and rescued the Jews from their hands. Then the winners - family of high priests, destroyed enemies and rescued Israel... When Israel won, was 25 day of month kislev (November - December). Entered in a Temple found only one jug of ritual pure oil for Menorah (temple fixture). This oil could suffice only for one day. But it was lighted and it burned eight days, until have not prepared new oil. And was established by wise men of that generation, that eight days, since 25 kislev, should be days of fun, when light fixtures at an entrance in the house to announce a miracle. And these days received the name "Hanukkah".

Holiday of Light the Jews of Almaty celebrated by a two-hour concert with participation of stars of the Kazakhstan stage. But before the beginning Chief Rabbi of Kazakhstan Yeshaya Cohen had lit candles and executed all necessary ceremonies and pray. The hall standing observed tradition of Judaism.

- I want to congratulate with Hanukkah everybody gathered here, - the President of Association of the Jewish national organizations "Mitsva" Alexander Baron addressed to a hall, - Miracle of Hanukkah occurred in difficult for our people time teaches us to the following: on days, when behind a window darkens, it is impossible to give in to common mood, despondency, on the contrary it is necessary, in spite of anything, to consecrate the world around you, with each day adding more and more light … Hag Hanukkah Sameakh!

Come on a concert could enjoy classical products in performance of a chamber orchestra of the master of arts "Commonwealth" under the direction of the conductor, winner of many international festivals Yuri Dorokhovsky and Hasidic songs in performance of rabbi Menahem Mendel Gershovitch. And ensemble "Anakhnukan" and choreographic collective "Yonati" of Jewish Community Center "Rimon" performed not only ancient Jewish songs and dances, but also modern, devoted to Motherland - Kazakhstan.




To congratulate the Jews on a holiday and to present them the products and songs came Nazgul Duysenbayeva, chamber quartet "Inspiration", poet Hakim Bulebekov, group "Dara" and national artist of USSR Rosa Rymbayeva.