01:35Russia: Start of Hanukkah lights up Moscow
Russia: Start of Hanukkah lights up Moscow
Jewish Muscovites gathered as the first candle of Hanukkah ignited on a giant menorah in Manezhnaya Square on Wednesday. The candle was lit by Berl Lazar, the Chief Rabbi of Russia.
Families from the city's Jewish community flocked to the ceremony, with many dancing, singing and enjoying the holiday atmosphere. It has become a Muscovite tradition to have a menorah on Manezhnaya Square, which located near the Kremlin.
During the ceremony, Rabbi Lazar spoke of the new Hanukkah traditions being forged in Moscow:
"Dear friends, happy Hanukkah! Ah Freilichen Chanukah! This holiday is indeed very joyful and positive. Annual menorah lighting at central squares has become a tradition now, because the lesson of Hanukkah is truly universal. Today's festival demonstrates the transformations going on in Russia and Moscow in particular."
Hanukkah, which is also known as the Festival of Lights is celebrated for eight days, and can fall any time in late November and the beginning of December. 2013 is the first and only time the Jewish holiday will coincide with the American holiday Thanksgiving.
01:35Russia: Start of Hanukkah lights up Moscow
Jewish Muscovites gathered as the first candle of Hanukkah ignited on a giant menorah in Manezhnaya Square on Wednesday. The candle was lit by Berl Lazar, the Chief Rabbi of Russia.
Families from the city's Jewish community flocked to the ceremony, with many dancing, singing and enjoying the holiday atmosphere. It has become a Muscovite tradition to have a menorah on Manezhnaya Square, which located near the Kremlin.
During the ceremony, Rabbi Lazar spoke of the new Hanukkah traditions being forged in Moscow:
"Dear friends, happy Hanukkah! Ah Freilichen Chanukah! This holiday is indeed very joyful and positive. Annual menorah lighting at central squares has become a tradition now, because the lesson of Hanukkah is truly universal. Today's festival demonstrates the transformations going on in Russia and Moscow in particular."
Hanukkah, which is also known as the Festival of Lights is celebrated for eight days, and can fall any time in late November and the beginning of December. 2013 is the first and only time the Jewish holiday will coincide with the American holiday Thanksgiving.