Euroasian Jewish News

Chanukah in Ukraine’s Capital: Thousands Participated in Festive Events

Thousands participated in Chanukah activities in Ukraine’s capital Kyiv, including a central Menorah lighting at the Israeli Embassy and a “Master Chef” event.

Thousands of people participated in a host of Chanukah activities organized by the Jewish community.

Menorah lightnings in shopping malls, visits to houses of community members, Chanukah parties for the entire family and events for young adults near the Ukrainian parliament building, are just some of the various activities and events of Chanukah in Kiev.

The second day of Chanukah began with a central lighting in the Oasis banquet hall, attended by close to 300 people, including relatives, guests, and parents of the students of the ‘Or Avner’ Chabad School under the direction of Mrs. Elka Markovitch.

After an emotional presentation by the students, a representative of the parents of the students came up to the stage and warmly thanked the directors for the kosher and quality education their children receive.

“Having a high-quality Jewish education accompanied by good secular studies, was a dream until a few years ago,” said the parents’ representative.

Rabbi Yonatan Markowitch, the Chabad Shliach and Chief Rabbi of Kyiv, lit the menorah and spoke about the essence of the holiday, that one should look at the candles and internalize that even after Chanukah we must add light and rise up in holiness.

On the seventh day of Chanukah, a special Chanukah party was held with a “Master-Chef” style competition for the young members of the community. The activities for young adults are run successfully under the leadership of Rabbi Ariel and Cherry Markovitch. Representatives of the Polish and Romanian embassies and more than 100 Jewish young professionals took part in this event.

On “Zot Chanukah”, the eight day of Chanukah, there was a central Menorah lighting in the city, in cooperation with the Israeli Embassy in Kiev. More than 1000 people attended the ceremony.

Every day during the holiday, dozens of private Menorah lightings took place in the homes of community members and in their offices. The activities were made possible by the leaders and rabbis of the Jewish community, as well as volunteers who came to help.

FJC