On December 5 at Cafe Al-Nur the Jewish community celebrated the joyous Hanukkah holiday. The Jewish holiday of candles lit to honor the miracle that occurred at the dedication of the Temple in 164 BCE. This holiday begins on 25th of the Jewish month of Kislev and lasts eight days.

Chairman of the Jewish community Eduard Atran and Director of Hesed "Polina" Bella Atran addressed all participants with welcoming words wishing everyone miracles happening in their families and dreams coming true. Israeli guests who had arrived in Shymkent in order to implement the project of constructing an agricultural complex also greeted the audience. Boris Shamuelov, Teacher of Traditions, and Eduard Atran, Chairman of the Jewish Cultural Center, lit five Hanukkah candles and read a blessing. During the gloomy winter evenings Hanukkah candles bring light and comfort to the Jewish house. Festive candles remind us of the ancient miracle witnessed by our ancestors. But the miracles did not remain in the past, they continue to happen for each generation from century to century. The story of Hanukkah was told by Anna Loskutova and children from the Jewish community were reading poems and singing songs dedicated to the holiday.

According to the tradition, we cook fried dishes in vegetable oil. These include latkes - potato pancakes and a favorite dish of Hanukkah - sufganiya - donuts with jam. All of it was on our holiday table. Of course, our women had to do their best to serve these dishes and we are very grateful to them.

Jewish children dancing group "Alizimki" performed at a holiday concert. Dina Sulumova and Daria Chibisova were the concert presenters. There was a quiz to test the knowledge of history and traditions of Hanukkah. The most active participants received gifts.

This holiday will be long remembered and will remain in the hearts of the participants. And everyone who was at the event will light his/her Hanukkah candle.

Bella Atran