As prescribed by tradition, the holy festival of Simhat Torah was celebrated with a lot of fun in the Jewish Community Center "Shemesh". The meeting began with the traditional prayers, and lighting Shabbat candles. Then Larissa Brodsky, Hesed Librarian, spoke about the history of the holiday and its spiritual significance.

Jewish teachers give good reasons that a new cycle of Torah readings begins on the day when the former ends. The Midrash describes how King Solomon held a feast in honor of the fact that he was given the highest wisdom by G-d. And as if to celebrate the blessing of G-d, this holiday has become doubly significant for the Karaganda Jews. Bella Kamenetzkaya, the Head of Hesed "Miriam", has presented a unique Torah scroll, which was transferred to us by the former leader of the religious community. Now this sacred scroll will be stored in the Shemesh Center.

Irina Kozhanovskaya, Director of Community Center "Shemesh", said in her welcoming speech that several holidays coincided on this day. She congratulated everybody on the Day of the Elderly People, noting that the issue of age is not compatible with our guests, as they are always young at heart. She congratulated everybody on the Teachers’ Day as this holiday has long gone beyond professional boundaries, because each of us is learning continuously and teaching the next generation.

At the festively laid table the elderly people recalled how in the Soviet period people were persecuted for their faith. In those days, almost everyone had to take the religion out of their hearts, be unaware of the history and spiritual traditions of their ancestors. And now, they whole-heartedly thank G-d that today in our country anyone can practice their faith. Veteran Salop recalled his childhood and youth when he knew almost nothing about his people although he was quite well educated. And now, Dmitry Grigorievich is very grateful to Karaganda Hesed for returning him the faith and pride for his people. Baruch Hashem and, indeed it is.

Let us hope that in the near future there will be more Torah teachers who will inspire us for unity and spiritual growth.

Oksana Stepkina