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New Traditions of Hanukkah

December, 13 Gala concert of the VI Jewish Community Festival «Hanukkah — 2009» took place in one of the most beautiful places in the very heart of Minsk — in the Trade Union Palace. Talented Jewish musicians and singers from all over Belarus and guests of the festival participated in it: «Malanka Orchestra», chamber choir «Salutaris», «Country Jazz», Andrey Labchevskiy, ensembles «Diligence» and «D'arti».

White, black and blue are the three colors meaning a lot to Jewish people. White is the color of Shabbat challah cover, Shabbat candles, matza, Jewish prayer shawl (tallit). The moment Jews hear a prohibition on reciting a blessing over challah and, thus, on observing the Torah Commandments — white is replaced by the black color… Black is the war and despair. The Maccabees raise to confront it, to kindle the lights of Menorah and to dispel mourning and gloom. As the years roll by the light of Hanukkah becomes brighter and brighter. This light “paints” our lives in light blue. Light blue is the color of hope, i.e. the hope of peaceful future, the Promised Land, children and grandchildren who will pass on the tradition to celebrate Hanukkah on the 25^th day of Kislev and to kindle the lights of Hanukkah.

White, black and blue were closely entwined in the program of gala concert of the Jewish Community Festival «Hanukkah — 2009». The colors helped the 120 participants to create an inimitable atmosphere of the holiday and the Hanukkah Miracle. Year after year the Hanukkah festival becomes more and more popular and the number of guests and participants of the event is increasing. It proves that the Jewish Community Hanukkah Festival has become an important cultural event not only in the life of the Community, but also in the musical life of the whole Belarus. It has turned into a brand!

Among the invitees of the Festival «Hanukkah — 2009» there were representatives of embassies, Minsk administrative authorities, representatives of communities and minority groups of Belarus, guests from all the regional Jewish communities.

The concert was supported by the Representative Office of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee in the Republic of Belarus and the Union of Belarusian Jewish Organizations and Communities.

There is something special in the Hanukkah lights what imparts a unique spiritual significance to the holiday. One candle lights the other, but the light of this first candle doesn't fade away. Kindling together the candles spread even more light reflecting and supplementing each other. The same is with our soul. It “contains” light that doesn't fade away when we share it with somebody. So, keep on kindling your candles… Hag Sameach!

Hanukkah 2009

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