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Hesed Clients Applaud Chanukah Concert at Russian State Library’s Hebrew Reading Room
On December 25th, the first night of Chanukah, myriad celebratory activities were taking place for the Jewish community in Moscow. Still, despite all of their options and extremely inclement weather — negative ten degree temperatures and snow — 450 elderly brought their children and grandchildren to a Chanukah concert at the Russian State Library’s Hebrew and Yiddish Reading Room. "It was such an experience," said one of the spectators. "Hearing Jewish music and being among other Jews on the holidays is very special for us." Many guests trekked from the Moscow periphery, as far as 100km, to be in attendance.
The concert, organized for clients of the local JDC-sponsored Hesed social welfare centers and their families, had added significance because of its location. Opened in 2003, the Hebrew and Yiddish Reading Room of the national Lenin Library — located adjacent to the historic Kremlin — is an important symbol of the resurgence of Jewish life and education that are taking place in the former Soviet Union, and particularly in the Russian capital. With support from JDC, the research facility continues to operate under the aegis of Asia-Africa Department of Moscow State University, and hosts community events, lectures, and exhibits. To commemorate the holiday of miracles, affectionately termed the "Festival of Lights," graduates of the Moscow Conservatory, talented Jewish youth, and multiple ensembles entertained a packed and enthusiastic crowd at the Reading Room with a fusion of classical compositions, famous modern Israeli music and Klezmer tunes. Elena, age 71, brought her 7-year-old grandson to share the evening’s celebration. "I love classical music but I don’t know so much about modern Israeli music, so it was interesting for me to listen to it," she notes. "I brought my grandson with me, even though he is young, because I want him to be already familiar with Jewish culture." Elena notes that she had attended a Rosh Hashana concert earlier in the year and that she was inspired to return for more. "I hope that there will also be more concerts for future holidays." Like so many of the audience members, Elena relies on Hesed not only for her basic needs, such as food, medicines, and medical care, but also for a taste of Jewish life and values. "I want to thank Hesed Yad Ezra," she says, emotionally. "Seven years ago when I came there I didn’t know anything about Jewish holidays. Now, besides all of the help that Hesed provides for me, I know a bit of Jewish history and traditions, so I can tell holiday stories to my grandson and celebrate the festivals with him and others in such a wonderful way." January 2006 |
