First Home Update – Hanukkah 2022
“And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light” (Genesis 1:3).
The final candle was lit
Yesterday (December, 25th, 2022) we lit the final Hanukkah candle. Interestingly, this year the end of Hanukkah has coincided with Christmas celebration. Hanukkah is the special time for all Jewish people, the time that commemorates the holy miracle that happened more than 2,000 years ago. Annually it reminds us that light always wins out over darkness.
Let us heartily share the lights of Hanukkah with you and show how we celebrated this holiday in different kibbutzim participating in the “First Home in the Homeland” program.
The miracle of Hanukkah in Jordan Valley. All the olim together | Photo: JAFI
This picture was taken in the Museum of Yarmukian Culture located in kibbutz Shaar Hagolan. Children take their first steps by learning how to light candles.
Hanukkah meeting in Jordan Valley | Photo: JAFI
The candlelight in kibbutz Revivim | Photo: JAFI
In Revivim we lit Hanukkah candles under the supervision of kibbutz “veterans”, those who have lived here for almost all their lives. “I can speak Russian”, were the words an old lady began her speech with. “My father was Russian. We came here over 60 years ago, and I still live in kibbutz Revivim, which will celebrate its 80th anniversary this year. Imagine, I was born when it was established.”
“Hanukkah, the special time for all Jewish people, to commemorate the holy miracle that happened more than 2,000 years ago”
Emilia from Mukachevo (Ukraine) and her friend Alina from Saint Petersburg lit candles together, and then everybody present started singing a prayer and helping themselves to Hanukkah treats.
Olim from Mashabei Sadeh and Revivim are preparing Hanukkah treats “levivot” together | Photo: JAFI
Hanukkah celebration in kibbutz Ein HaShofet, Megiddo | Photo: JAFI
The festive Hanukkah table brought together olim from Russia and Ukraine in kibbutz Ein HaShofet and kibbutzim in the Eshkol area. This means that the light of human hearts can do more than the light of a candle.
Hanukkah in Eshkol | Photo: JAFI
The olim from kibbutz Merhavia were the most creative. They staged a theatrical show and took part in the competition for the best hanukkiah.
Hanukkah in kibbutz Merhavia | Photo: JAFI
The competition for the best hanukkiah | Photo: JAFI
The theatrical show in kibbutz Merhavia | Photo: JAFI
Please support the “First Home in the Homeland” Project. Any amount is welcome! Assisting a family in the “First Home” program costs € 230 euro / US $ 250 a month.
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