Shining Brightly in Ukraine

18/12/2019

The Kiev Masorti community had a powerful multi-faith Chanukah candle lighting on December 23rd.  Rabbi Reuven Stamov, Schechter alum and resident rabbi, led the ceremony and shared this report:

“We lit the second candle in our community with the Foundation in the presence of dear guests – Ambassador of Israel Joel Leon, Ambassador of the Republic of Lithuania Marus Yanuconis, Ambassador of the United Kingdom Melinda Simmons, US Ambassador to Ukraine William B. Taylor, Ambassador of Germany Anka Feldren, Metropolitanate of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine Vitaliy Danchak, Archpriest Dmitry Karan, Sheikh Said Ismagilov, President of VAAD Yosef Ziselets, representative of Kyiv city state administration, cultural figures, journalists and leaders of Jewish organizations.

Michal Stamova, director of the Masoreth Jewish Community and Educational Center and director of NOAM Ukraine, spoke about miracles and led a toast to Jewish youth and future generations in Ukraine.

Father Dmitry Karan of the Pokrovsky Church in Podil, told about one of the great modern miracles – the miracle of Alexey Glagolev, who saved hundreds of Kiev Jews from destruction during the pogroms in the Pokrovsky Church. He called for unity and peace of all people.

The wonderful Chanukah evening was accompanied by jazz music performed by the young staff of the Kyiv Music Academy.”

Chag Urim Samech!  Wishing you a light-filled Chanukah from our very special Ukraine communities!

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