Hanukah is a history of light resisting the darkness. Struggle with darkness either within ourselves or from the outside world should begin with small things like surrounding yourself with light, i.e. do more kind deeds. Hanukah lesson: "Do not combat darkness. Light a candle instead and the darkness will subside."


Pavlodar Community celebrated the beginning of Hanukah on December 6 by a big concert in the House of Friendship. On December thirteen we lit a candle on the TSUM square. Our Rabbi Shmuel Karnaukh said that we together are setting the Hannukiya lighting in spite of the wind and cold. Due to this light the Jewish people preserved its traditions. Everybody was in good joyful mood. The celebration continued in the synagogue. Many toasts were said to wish each other health and happiness. Everybody was saying that Hanukah candles are burning in honor of the victory of a small light over large darkness, in honor of common modest people such as Matyagu Hasmoney and his small army.


During Hanukah holiday it became a tradition in the Family Club to conduct Makkabiada. This time there were seven participating families: Prosalenko, Daerbayevs, Petrovs, Nazartsevs, Zhuravlevs, Shpaks, Begagolins. The participants were competing not only in showing off their strength and physical skills, but also demonstrated knowledge of traditions and holiday customs. The third prize was taken by Prosalenko family, second - by Petrovs, the first - by Daerbayevs. The participants’s enthusiasm was awarded with gifts, nobody left without a gift.


People with limited mobility gathered for a holiday at the Day Center. There was a celebration table laid up for Hesed clients. People were sharing memories how in their childhood their Jewish families were celebrating this holiday. Everybody listened to Hanukah story told by Hana Meerovna Lobchenko. We recollected all holiday traditions and customs.


It was also a merry and warm celebration of the holiday in the Young People’s Club. Chairwoman of the Jewish Ethno-cultural Organization Merkaz Faina Pavlovna Svechinskaya was invited at the holiday. Club activists organized interesting games and quizzes and young participants could show their knowledge of holiday history and Jewish traditions. Chag Hanukah Sameach!

Irina Tveritneva