DONETSK, Ukraine – The Jewish community of Donetsk is already preparing for Chanukah, including the publication of a colorful brochure for delivery to virtually all Jews of the city and surrounding areas. It includes all of the information needed in order to properly celebrate the holiday. It offers readers a brief history of Chanukah, how to light the Chanukah Menorah, and the blessings, laws and customs of the holiday.
The brochure contains an opening message from the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson of righteous memory. It also features a holiday calendar and recipe for Chanukah donuts (sufganiyot). The brochure is illustrated with colorful Chanukah images and “how to” pictures of candle-lighting for each particular day of the holiday.
In addition to the important mitzvah (commandment) of lighting the Chanukah Menorah, there is also an integral mitzvah of publicizing the miracle that took place at the time of the first Chanukah. It is for this reason that the Jewish community of Donetsk invites all Jews of the region to visit the synagogue and obtain Chanukah Menorah and candles as a gift, the only condition being that recipients will then light the Menorah in their own homes.
Chanukah is the holiday of light and joy, which is so essential for people in this difficult time. The Federation of Jewish Communities of the CIS and Baltic Countries wish Jewish communities across the Former Soviet Union success in their preparations for this holiday of light and goodness.
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