Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, is widely celebrated in Dnepropetrovsk. On the first night of Chanukah, the candle was lit in the city’s main Menorah at the "Golden Rose" Synagogue.
Gersh Korol, the chairman of the local Jewish community, lit the first candle and said the three blessings, while Alexander Fridkis, who oversees the community’s affairs, translated them into Russian. Participants then enjoyed delicious treats of donuts and latkes, as well as saying “Lechaim” in honor of the holiday.
A Chanukah celebration also took place at the Beit Baruch Senior Citizens’ Home. Rabbi Sender Kazakov, who serves at the Beit Baruch Center, lit the first candle. There is also a large Chanukah Menorah installed outside of the building so that the light will serve as a symbol of joy and warmth to everyone in the vicinity.
Throughout the Chanukah holiday, visits from various student organizations have been arranged. Students from the local Ohr Avner day school, Beit Chana Women’s Pedagogical College, and activists from Hillel will all be visiting residents. The residents of Beit Baruch eagerly look forward to receiving these guests and their attention.
Chanukah is also in full swing at the Jewish school, where a marathon of Chanukah programs will take place throughout the eight days of the festival. The students will also participate in community Chanukah events scheduled throughout this time. The Chanukah celebrations at the school will culminate with “Chanukah Express,” to be held on December 8.
A candle-lighting ceremony takes place every day at the school, involving specially invited distinguished guests who are the heads of major Jewish institutions and organizations. The first candle of the school’s Chanukah Menorah was lit by its president, Rabbi Meir Ostrovsky. The youngsters then enjoyed a short concert, in which the students performed traditional Chanukah songs.