Each Jewish date has not only symbolical or historical significance, but also lets us know how to understand the world properly: Pesah gives a concept of true freedom; Shavuot defines the importance of Torah and studies in our life.

There are quite a few holidays in the month of Тishrei: Rosh-Hashanah, Yom-Kippur, Sukkot, Shmini-Atseret, and Simhat-Torah. It feels as if we have a holiday fair. During the following year we will keep unpacking "gifts" - the treasures, which have been saved up in days of holidays. On Rosh-Hashanah Jews receive knowledge of living in fear of God, on Yom-Kippur - skills to forgive loved ones and to be responsible, on Sukkot - love and merriment for the entire year, on Simhat-Torah - delight of having Torah.

People were well prepared for celebrations of autumn holidays in Pavlodar Hesed. Children from the Children's Day Centre made greeting cards. "Hesed Herald" published a list of holidays with dates and guidelines about carrying them out according the tradition and customs. A day before a celebration of Rosh-Hashanah was held for the clients of "Home care" service in the Day Centre of Hesed. All patrons were congratulated by the director of Hesed Tatyana Slivinskaya and received greeting card made by the children. Hana Lobchenko talked about the traditions and the customs of the holidays in the month of Тishrei.

On September 18 to 20 our Jewish community was congregating in a synagogue for Rosh-Hashanah celebration. During these days once again we were aware of the unity, listened together to the shrill sounds of shofar, which woke up our soul to repentance - tshuva.

In the family club each family drew its genealogical tree, prepared a musical souvenir and traditional celebratory dishes. It was very interesting to learn about the family tree, and it appeared that our knowledge of the family history concludes with the names of great-grandmothers and great-grandfathers, and many of us drew a conclusion that some more work should be done on this matter.

Ten days from Rosh-Hashanah to Yom-Kippur are called the days of Tshuva. During these days our people checked their deeds and tried to correct mistakes as much as possible. Prior to Yom-Kippur a ceremony Kaparot was carried out for those wishing to participate.

On Sukkot the community was assembled in the synagogue - in the sukkah. Within seven days each interested person could carry out a commandment "netilat lulav". On Sukkot the Family Club and the Youth Club went outdoors. Exceptional weather and good mood contributed to the remarkable holiday. Everyone participated in building a sukkah and different games. Sukkot is the time of unity of all Jews on the basis of Torah and its commandments, and we hope that such trips promote community connections and our belonging with the Jewish way of life.

May we be inscribed and sealed for a wonderful and happy year!

Irina Tveritneva