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World Jewish News
Traditional Pesach Fair in Almaty
07.04.2009
On the eve of the Jewish religious festival of Pesach, a traditional fair took place in Almaty, representing a wide choice of kosher foods and kitchen utensils.
This year, Pesach begins on the evening of April 8 and ends on the evening of April 16. To make sure that the believers were able to celebrate the holiday properly, the Jewish center "Chabad Lyubavich" regularly organizes trade fairs with the participation of companies engaged in manufacture and sale of all items necessary for the celebration.
The people attending the sale not only purchase the products they need, but also learn a lot about the faith of their forefathers. A 13-year-old Abraham Cohen put tfilin on all the men willing to do this. The tfilin is made of painted black skin of the kosher cow and second only to the sanctity of the Torah scrolls. With the help of straps it is fixed on the bare left hand. The second tfilin is worn on the head, above the line of hair, strictly between the eyes. This rite symbolizes the connection of man with God and sets him up for good thoughts and deeds.
"I came to Kazakhstan from Israel. I love your country and the people living here. In anticipation of Pesach, I wish the people of Kazakhstan all the goodness, happiness and long life," says Abraham Cohen. "On April 8, the Central Synagogue will host a holiday dedicated to the blessing of the Sun. I hope that on this day, people will come here to thank God for the creation of the heavenly light."
The rite of blessing has its roots in the distant past, when 5769 years ago God created the Sun. This significant for all the Jews event will begin with a morning prayer. Remarkably, on this day the sun will occupy the same position as 3321 ago, on the eve of the Jewish exodus from Egypt. This year the holy prayer will be heard for the 206th time.
In the independent Kazakhstan, the blessing of the Sun has never been committed with the participation of the whole community before. Over the past 90 years it will happen for the first time and will serve as evidence of the fact that in our republic, the interests of believers are not impaired. The religious ceremony is open to everyone who wishes to participate, regardless of age and sex.
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