Shavei Israel celebrates Hanukah: Hidden Jews and Subbotniks
Shavei Israel communities around the world are celebrating Hanukah this week. Here’s a selection of photos from Eastern Europe – the “Hidden Jews” of Poland and the Subbotnik Jewish community of Russia.
Lodz
Prior to candle lighting in Lodz, Poland, Rabbi Dawid Szychowska gave a brief lecture to community members on the meaning and history of Hanukah. We have pictures of both.
Hanukah this year began on Saturday night and coincided with a certain other December holiday. That meant that many Jewish organizations in Poland were closed. Rabbi Szychowska and his wife Miriam to the rescue: the couple hosted a “larger than usual” Shabbat dinner this past weekend in Lodz. What a way to light up the holiday! Read more about the community.
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Krakow
Meanwhile in Krakow…the lighting continues with Shavei Israel’s emissary Rabbi Avi Baumol at the helm. Here are a few photos from the Krakow community.
Subbotnik Jews
If you were expecting photos from Russia…surprise! These photos were taken in Beit Shemesh, Israel, where there is a growing Subbotnik Jewish community who get together for all the holidays with Rabbi Zelig Avrasin.
