On November 28, more than a hundred community members gathered in Almaty to participate in the "Hanukkah Starts" held on the eve of the upcoming holiday of light. Our community leader, President of Mitzvah Association Alexander Baron came to support the team. He opened the Maccabiada with the words, "Hanukkah is approaching. We celebrate the light that was brought by the victory of Maccabees. The Maccabi movement is connected with their name. I wish you merry starts, success in sports, brilliant victories and the world, no, I’d better say "intergalactic" records!"

The event presenter, Olga Drobnokhod, spoke about the history of Hanukkah. Anthems of Kazakhstan and Israel sounded. Girls from a Jewish vocal group "Anahnukan" sang a cappella "Menin Elim" and "Hatikva" with their clear voices dressed in Kazakh national costumes.

Maccabiada Games attracted distinguished guests - President of Asian Association for Arm-wrestling, six-time world record winner in weightlifting Vladimir Drexler, and Kazakhstan champion in table tennis, a senior coach of the Republic on the game of darts Zoya Ananyeva. Director of the athletic program of the Jewish Community Center "Rimon" Ruslan Archakov was in charge of the jury that also included Eugene Bezborodov and Roman Kozeritskiy.

The teams had chosen their mottos to demonstrate their sports spirit. Maccabiada was a lot of fun for athletes and guests. There were lots of activities such as throwing the ball into the ring, running in sacks, darts, penalties, basketball, passing through the hoop and getting into the ring, climbing the rope. So much emotion and enjoyment!

"Hanukkah Starts" is not just a sporting event. The upcoming Hanukkah brought a festive atmosphere backed by a concert performed by children and youth from the Rimon Center. And of course, we had our cheerleaders! The audience liked the Shabbat songs and a Kazakh dance, an enthusiastic "Jazz in hats" and a colorful choreographic sketch "In a forest glade".

The "Hanukkah Starts" completed. Then it was the most exciting moment - the Master of Sports Zoya Ananieva announced the jury decision. She started with the phrase, "Congratulations on our community sports holiday!" Alexander Baron presented prizes to the teams. Families of Polovodovs, Trokhimchuks, Azhibaevs, and Dotsenko, who had showed remarkable results, were awarded with bright ceramics and diplomas. The third place was given to the Bragins’ team. They surprised everyone with the team structure - a beautiful young mother and several young girls with lots of sports enthusiasm! The second place was given to the joint team of Arepyevs and Eremins, who showed a tremendous willpower to win. And the first place was unanimously given to Ignatenkos, one of the most athletic families in our community.

At the end of the holiday, before the volleyball match between the youth and family clubs, Alexander Baron said, "Allow me to thank the judges and, above all, Ruslan Archakov for their work. Today we saw a colorful event. It took a lot of effort to make it so successful." Director of Hesed "Polina" Inessa A. Chugainova, "I wish everyone a happy upcoming Hanukkah. For everyone who loves sports we will find something what they will like to do in the community."

Ludmila Starodubova