ZFA’s Kangarusski celebrates Rosh Hashanah with joyous pre-celebration event
Melbourne’s vibrant Russian-speaking Jewish community has come together for a heartwarming Rosh Hashanah pre-celebration event, uniting nearly 200 attendees.
Lior Rizvash and Idan Maylis try out their shofar skills
This gathering was an opportunity to delve into the rich history and traditions of the festival, enjoy a delectable spread of traditional holiday dishes, and revel in the joy of dancing to Jewish and Israeli tunes.
Anna Maylis, the Coordinator of the Zionist Federation of Australia’s “Kangarusski” project, led an enlightening session where she explained the significance of each item traditionally gracing the Rosh Hashanah table. She recited the traditional blessings with the guests, enhancing the sense of community and togetherness.
Each table was decorated with symbolic elements, including apples and honey, signifying a sweet and fruitful year ahead and a sweet round challah.
Irena Maylis, one of the main organizers and a devoted volunteer, shared her thoughts: “It is undeniably hard work to prepare and execute such a major event, but the smiles and gratitude of our guests make it all worthwhile. We have created a remarkable opportunity for our community to come together and celebrate this cherished Jewish holiday.”
The festivities extended to a Rosh Hashanah Trivia game led by Roman Mirkus, from the Australian Forum of Russian-Speaking Jewry. Mirkus marvelled at the knowledge and enthusiasm displayed by both adults and children, highlighting their genuine interest in Jewish educational activities.
UJEB and the Russian Jewish School “Lider ” thoughtfully organised a dedicated children’s program,” engaging over 40 enthusiastic young participants in activities. As an added surprise, each child received a genuine Shofar as a Rosh Hashanah gift, fostering a sense of tradition and heritage.
The evening’s program was a tapestry of cultural richness, including a captivating theatre illustrating Rosh Hashanah traditions, an Israeli dance masterclass, live renditions of Hebrew and Yiddish songs, and a host of other engaging activities.
The Rosh Hashanah pre-celebration was a memorable occasion that brought people together to honour their traditions and look forward to a new year filled with hope and sweetness.
