Euroasian Jewish News

Non-Stop Purim in Khar'kiv

From the thousands of people at the circus on the eve of Purim, the hundreds of kindergarten and school children at the programs in the day and the large crowd at the Royal Purim Seuda in the Synagogue towards the end of the day – Purim in Kharkov, Ukraine, this year was a non stop day full of programs, Megilla readings, ‘Mishloach Manot’ and lots of fun!

At the entrance of the circus, the hundreds of guests received personal ‘Mishloach Manot’ baskets. The circus program was spectacular with fountains and acrobats, animals and performers!

The FJC’s ‘Or Avner’ Jewish school and kindergarten started the program with song and dance and a moving performance with the director of the school Grigory Shochet on the violin.

Rabbi Moshe Moskovitz spoke about the importance of gathering the Jews together in unity as in the times of Mordechai… The government officials were impressed that the Jewish community in Kharkov is so alive and vibrant and keeping its traditions. Rabbi Levi Raices surprised the crowd with Mexican dancing as the megilla was read.

The Purim spirit continued throughout the whole day with special programs in the kindergarten, school, Machon, and local Yeshiva and in the Chesed center for the elderly.The megilla was also read and ‘Mishloach Manot’ were given to Jewish inmates.

At the Royal Purim Dinner in the city’s historical grand Synagogue, a young student from the Stars program received the Jewish name Ephraim. The non stop Purim spirit in Kharkov this year will hopefully last throughout the whole year round!

FJC