Chanukah wrap
A report of Chanukah activities around the region…
Sydney:
Over 300 young adults attended a Chanukah party held at and sponsored by the Golden Sheaf in Double Bay. Rabbi Mendel Kastel lit the Menorah at the party organised by UIA Young Leadership, J-Junction, Hagshama and Studio Central.
At the Golden Sheaf
At the Golden Sheaf
A Menorah at the Opera House
Over 250 young Jewish adults gathered at the exclusive AACTA Bar in Bondi, for a night of Jazz, Drinks and Draidels to celebrate the Festival of Chanukah.
The event was hosted by Young Adult Chabad and Studio Central.
From Jerusalem:
Natan Sharansky and family
JERUSALEM – Jews in seven world capitals lit the seventh Hanukkah candle together at an event organized by the Israel Ministry of Immigration and Absorption and The Jewish Agency for Israel this evening (Tuesday, December 3).
The main event took place at the Menachem Begin Heritage Center in Jerusalem and was attended by Minister of Immigration and Absorption Sofa Landver and Chairman of the Executive of The Jewish Agency Natan Sharansky, along with some 300 olim (immigrants) from around the world.
The candles in Jerusalem were lit by seven immigrants from the United States, Yemen, France, Ethiopia, India, Latvia, and Colombia, along with Minister Landver and Chairman Sharansky.
Hanukkah candles were lit simultaneously in six other world capitals – London, United Kingdom; Paris, France; Moscow, Russia; Kiev, Ukraine; Tashkent, Uzbekistan; and Budapest, Hungary – in ceremonies broadcast live in Jerusalem. The entire event was also broadcast live on the internet and was viewed as far away as Australia, China, South Africa, the United States, Canada, Venezuela, Mexico, and Chile, along with a dozen European countries.
Minister of Immigration and Absorption Sofa Landver said: “Today’s candle-lighting is proof that Jewish communities around the world are an inseparable part of the nation of Israel.” The minister added she hopes all Jews who lit Hanukkah candles abroad this year will celebrate the holiday in Jerusalem next year.
Chairman of the Executive of The Jewish Agency Natan Sharansky said: “The reconstitution of Jewish sovereignty in the State of Israel is the true miracle of Hanukkah, just as it was two thousand years ago. Israel’s existence is a daily miracle. We will continue to celebrate the miracle of Hanukkah with all those who choose to make Israel their home.”
The Jewish Agency is funded by UIA.
MELBOURNE
Rabbi Chaim Herzog- Graeme Leonard- David Southwick- James Merlino-Nina Bassat(JCCV)
AUCKLAND:
Auckland Menorah
THANK YOU so much for your fabulous work for the Hanukah In the Park celebration! Without everyone’s assistance this would simply not have happened.
We hope that all who contributed to hosting this celebration are as delighted as we are with the result. The number of the attendance and the diversity of people who came to share Hanukah with our community made the team’s hard work worthwhile.
Your generosity with your skills and time is greatly appreciated.
I would particularly like to mention:
Jack Wilton who was a fantastic support in pre-event logistics, purchasing and schlepping..and being there to load, unload, set-up and take down! Nothing was too much trouble for Jack!
Maxine de Jong who really ‘pulled a rabbit out of the hat’ to get Hanukah gelt and dreidels and organised the children’s activities!
Tanya Hart – who managed to get fantastic news coverage across the media!
Bilha Glick for the fabulous signage and poster…and for helping our brilliant sofer, Azriel on the night!
The AHC team: Bronwen Klippel, Stefan & Saatchi Goldwater, Juliet & Rachel Moses, Sharon Brokensha & Malindy Rose for all the help on the night and for much ”behind the scenes” equipment organising, printing and more…
Claire Pearce and the Kadimah Choir – for a beautiful celebration of Hanukah in song.
Jill Gutmann for the beautiful story readings in the Story Tent
Asher and Dylan Trupmann & The Klezmer Guys – whose great Klezmer sound set the tone and the rhythm for the evening
Anton Bruell & the CSG crew for keeping us all safe at this event, and on so many other occasions!
B’nei Akiva and Habonim D’ror – the many indefatigable and extraordinary young leaders in this community who looked after stalls, helped in set-up and pack-down and were represented at candle-lighting by Steve Hofmann and Mor Karon
The Shlichim: Shifra, Yair and Shani: who developed programmes and loaded and unloaded equipment…and assisted with volunteer recruitment….and so much more…
Danny Phillips who brought excellence and professionalism to the MC role
Meir Alfassi & Shosha Altschul who added more kitchen wizardry to Ima’s cooking tent.
Raymond Dobbe for the use of his van
Sally Natan & Mayan Natan for setting up in the Park
Christine O’Brien for office support from Beth Shalom
The ZFNZ Executive for all your support
Hazel Ellis for her beautiful poster
Kadimah Board and Teachers for the Kadimah display
Neil Rothbart for assistance with printing and laminating
Idit Forester (and her family!) who worked beyond the call of duty in the ZFNZ/JNF office and into the night at home…
Yael Shochet, her family & team for hours and hours of food preparation and for the vision of an Auckland wide celebration of Hanukah!
ROSE BAY, SYDNEY:
3rd Rose Bay Judean Joey Scouts celebrating Chanukah.
