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World Jewish News
Celebration of Purim in Kharkov
11.03.2009
About three thousand Jews of Kharkov came to the city circus to celebrate the most joyous Jewish holiday of Purim.
In the foyer, the Chabad activists helped the men and boys to put on tfilin, and women were handed a gift - a set of Shabbat candles.
Many visitors came dressed as expected on Purim - in carnival costumes. The evening was opened with reading of Esther Scroll, with the active participation of the public, who raised unimaginable noise every time the name of Haman was mentioned.
Later on, a concert was held, attended by pupils of the Or Avner Jewish school, and pupils of Chabad kindergarten, who performed some Jewish dances under the storm of applause from the audience.
The Chief Rabbi of Kharkov Mr. Moskovich told about Purim traditions and recalled that the worldwide Chabad movement devotes this year to public meetings and communication with people. He thanked the city authorities for their support in the preparation of the Jewish holiday.
In response, the representative of the municipal authorities Gennady Kernes, who is also a member of the Jewish community, thanked the organizers for a wonderful evening and assured that the authorities will continue to assist the Jewish community and guarantee the right of each citizen to observe the national customs and traditions.
Many young people completed questionnaires, in which they expressed their desire to participate in the "STARS" youth program, and parents were interested in the Or Avner Jewish school.
All guests received a traditional Purim gift - "mishloah manot."
The organization of the festival was funded by the President of Kharkov Jewish community Alexander Feldman.
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