Celebrating Hanukkah the Old-Fashioned Way: Jews Hunkered Down in Tatarstan Light Up the Menorah
Let's take our mind off the pressing issues just like our Jew neighbors who are currently celebrating Hanukkah all over the world, which is one of the main Jewish holidays that is more than 2,000 years old.
Russia is the land of contrast. Take Tatarstan, for instance: officially it's a Muslim republic but our report on Jewish Hanukkah takes place there.
Firuza Rasyrova visited the family of the main rabbi in Kazan.
A mandatory prayer before lighting a candle. First men, then women light the candles. Even the youngest family members take part. The rite is concluded with a song and a dance that tell the story of God's Miracle that gave birth to Hanukkah.
During Hanukkah, every evening the family gathers at the festive table. Itskhak Gorelic has a big one — 11 people usually sit at it. Together with his wife, they're raising 9 kids. Yeast doughnuts are a mandatory meal.
Inda Gorelic: "Oil's the most important thing because it reminds us of the Miracle. Afterward, everyone can add whatever they like".
Olive oil was the Miracle. It was found in a small jug and used to consecrate a temple in Jerusalem that was captured by the Greeks. There was enough oil for one day but it lasted for eight. That's why Hanukkah is celebrated for eight days. It's customary to give kids presents or money.
Itskhak Gorelic, the main rabbi of Tatarstan: "When a kid has their own money then they can help somebody with this money".
These boxes are placed in synagogues. The synagogue that went through an extensive renovation and is located in the historic part of Kazan can house hundreds of believers. A month ago, the first regional Torah study center opened in the synagogue. Previously, there was only one in Moscow.
A synagogue-goer: "The opening of the center is a historic event for every believing Jew because now, not only we, the older generation, will study the Word of God but our young people as well".
The Jewish community of Tatarstan currently has 10,000 members. This Sunday, they will gather all together. The legendary Simkha Ensemble will perform for them in the concert hall. But first, they will light the Hanukkah candles.
Firuza Rasyrova, Ildar Galiudinov for Vesti from Tatarstan.