Light of Chanukah Illuminates Moscow in the Spirit of “Increasing and Ever-Growing”
Although this year the central public menora lighting ceremony near the Red Square was canceled at the last moment, the efforts to strengthen Jewish light in Moscow, the capital of Russia, intensified this year in the spirit of mosif ve’holech—constantly increasing. This followed a joint effort by all the Shluchim and directors of the many institutions, who responded to the call of the Chief Rabbi of Russia, HaGaon Rabbi Berel Lazar, shlit”a, who emphasized that this year in particular everything must be done to bring the mitzvot of the festival to every Jew, no matter where they may be.
After thirty-five consecutive years in which the Chief Rabbi lit the first Chanukah candle in a grand public ceremony of pirsumei nissa that grew larger each year, the ceremony was not held this year due to security warnings received by authorities. These warnings came just hours before the horrific tragedy that occurred in Sydney, Australia, where holy Shluchim ascended in a storm to Heaven, together with another thirteen martyrs (Hashem yikom damam), in the midst of a public menorah lighting attended by large crowds—an event that shook and united the entire Jewish people all over the globe.
Following preparatory classes in halachah and aggadah delivered to large audiences in the main hall of the Central “Marina Roscha” Shul during the week preceding the festival, several events were held each day. These began with the lighting of the Chanukah candles by distinguished guests, honored by the shul’s Gabbaim, and continued with daily programs for hundreds of Jews of the city, organized by “GO-TOV”, the organization which spearheads family-oriented activities throughout Moscow.
On the fourth night of Chanuka, a magnificent, mehudar Torah scroll was dedicated. After the Chief Rabbi, shlit”a, wrote the final letter, the Torah scroll was brought into the sanctuary with great splendor and joy. The new Torah was welcomed by the congregation’s existing Torah scrolls, carried lovingly by the rejoicing shul members. Together with the many guests, they danced and celebrated by the light of the magnificent menorah, embodying the pasuk: “A mitzvah is a candle, and the Torah is light.”
At the orphanage, as in all the other Jewish educational institutions, the many students merited to receive Chanukah gelt from the Chief Rabbi, in keeping with tradition. He showered them with blessings and encouragement, urging them to invest in Torah study and to use their youthful energy to grow in Torah and Chassidus. This is made possible by their dedicated staff who work tirelessly day and night to advance the students within comprehensive educational frameworks encompassing all ages and levels.
Alongside the Bein Hazmanim Yeshiva at the Central Shul, special celebrations were held for students, including Tehillim gatherings and a main festive event combined with the ongoing “Fathers and Sons” Torah-learning program. After the weekly learning session, a raffle for a Chanukah menorah was held among the many children, and the joy of the festival continued for a long time, accompanied by words of Torah and the distribution of Chanukah gelt.
The distinguished Bukharian community of Moscow spent Shabbos together at the Yeshiva Ketanah complex in the Istra neighborhood in Moscow’s suburbs. The Shabbaton was organized by the community rabbi and Shliach, Rabbi Nissan HaLevi Leviyev, with the participation of philanthropist Mr. Levi Leviev and other leaders and dignitaries of the community.
In the central lobby of the large “Afimall” shopping center and at the “Novi Veshki” mall, Chanukah menorahs were lit, exposing thousands of people each day to the publicizing of the miracle. This was in addition to hundreds of home visits that brought the joy of the festival into the homes of Jews throughout the city.
At the “Shaarei Tzedek Chesed Center,” approximately 1,500 food packages were distributed to the needy and the lonely. In addition, daily events and Chanukah candle-lighting ceremonies were held there, led by public figures and friends of the center.
An especially emotional and uplifting Chanuka party was held for children with special needs and their families in the Druzhba Jewish Community Center in the suburb of Mitischi. Organized by the community’s rabbi and shliach Rabbi Reuven Kuravskiy together with Rabbi Avraham Elimelech Gedzh, it gave both children and adults a much needed respite in a fun and supportive atmosphere.
With the conclusion of the festival, the community director, Rabbi Mordechai Weisberg, remarked that the words of Kohelet, “The advantage of light over darkness,” were especially powerfully expresses this year in the capital of Russia.
Photo: Levi Nazarov
