Brazil Chanukah Events Bring Festive Atmosphere
Chanukah lights illuminated 29 de Marco Square in the center of Curitiba, the capital of Brazil’s Parana region, for the 28th consecutive year and with the continued support of the local City Hall.
The Chabad Menorah, which rises majestically tall, is stored by the city officials during the year and spray painted and mounted annually a few days before Chanukah in a pond of water in the center of the square.
A large crowd of adults and children gathered on the first night of Chanukah for the traditional Menorah lighting, accompanied by a beautiful program organized by Rabbi Mendy Stolik to entertain and stimulate the crowd.
The children participated in a creative Menorah competition, and about twenty five artistic masterpieces were exhibited. A jury of three experts in the field determined and announced the first three winners, who were offered monetary prizes.
A skillful magician captivated the attention of young and old. The 12 Torah passages were recited by local children and Rabbi Mendel Labkowski transmitted a Chanukah message.
Latkes, doughnuts and drinks were distributed to all, and a military band played traditional tunes.
Rabbi Yossef Dubrawsky goes daily at twilight to kindle an additional lamp in the huge candelabra. On the second night he detected a defect in the second lamp and was unable to light it. The city electrician was contacted immediately and he promised to deal with the problem the next day.
When the head Shliach went to the square the next day, he saw an interesting sight. The electrician was rowing a small boat in the pond to reach the electrical installments and be able to discover where the fault was. His instant thought and association was the Rebbe RaShab`s words about chassidim being lamplighters, and if the need arises to go out to the desert or the sea to ignite the lamps, so must it be done! Incredibly, here, even the non-Jew was engaged in helping reach out and spread the light of Chanukah, and due to necessity was rowing a boat to reach the lamps!
‘Everything Is for the Good’
On the fourth day of Chanukah, 30 of Chabad`s Ganenu and Talmud Torah students, ages 5-12, performed a musical presentation in a local theater about Rabbi Akiva, titled “Everything is for the good.”
Chabad of Curitiba is fortunate to have a dedicated and talented staff of educators, coordinated by Shlucha Mrs. Aidy Labkowsky. Impressive scenery, beautiful costumes, and sound and light effects enhanced the play, which drew a full crowd of spectators aside from relatives and friend of the students.
The emcee, Joyce Rzeznik, a young professional and friend of Chabad, filled in about the life and legacy of this great sage and about the significance of Jewish education in the context of the festival of Chanukah. The children received Chanukah presents, and gathered with their parents around a Menorah at the entrance of the theater for a Chanukah brunch after the morning performance.
Chanukah for Students
On Sunday night, the 5th candle of Chanukah a fantastic program was organized for the Jewish students of Curitiba.
A team from a local Sushi restaurant put together an impressive table of oriental food, including a sushi shaped Menorah, and, of course, traditional latkes and doughnuts were served.
A beautiful menorah was lit by one of the youth, which was preceded by a special message and story about Chanukah and followed by everyone joining in with Chanukah songs.
The evening also featured a spectacular show by illusionist Jeff Aragon, who kept the youth spellbound and entertained.
A silver plated Menorah was raffled off at the end of the event.
