Jewish community continues to rebuild in Riga

By Dorit Turchin

Chabad Lubavitch Latvia began preparations for Cha-nu-kah in Riga
way before the 25th of Kislev. The holiday spirit could be felt
everywhere; this year three huge menorahs adorned the city. Posters
hung around the city, inviting the Jewish population to come and
celebrate the festival of lights. The third Chanukah candle glowed in
a new site this year in Riga's esteemed Old Town. The Israeli Consul
Eitan Ben Dor lit the candles, and Shliach Rabbi Shneur Kot led the
singing with Maoz Tzur and Haneiros Ha-lalu.Hundreds attended the
lighting, sang, ate and felt the warmth of the Chanukah light.

U.S.Ambassador James Holmes joined the celebrations and was impressed
to see the Jewish community live and strong.

And how can we forget the children? A children's program accompanied
the celebrations with Chanukah games, questions and ended with a
lottery - the grand prize being an new bicycle.

The fifth candle was lit in the central park in Riga. Austria's
ambassador to Latvia, Dr. Anton Kozusnik, along with the Shliach
Rabbi M. Glazman, lit the tallest menorah in the city. Rabbi Glazman
spoke of the significance of gathering on such auspicious holidays.
Ko-zusnik addressed the issue of light, not only as a religious
matter, but a universal topic, how the light within ourselves can
conquer the darkest of the dark.

He was very impressed to see that Jews celebrate their holiday in the
center of the city with no fear, but pride!

Latvian television filmed the event for the next evening's news,
showing the dancing, lighting, food and the multicolored balloons
carried by the children, wishing the city a Happy Cha-nukah in five
languages. Everyone lit candles and joined in singing "Lomir Ale in
Einem."

On Saturday night, 50 supporters and friends of Chabad came to
participate in the annual Chabad Cha-nukah party, listening to deep
thoughts about Cha-nukah and enjoying the festive atmosphere.

The next night, a party honored members of the Israeli Embassy, the
Jewish Agency and their families. Once again, an inspiring evening
made everyone feel the unity that the light of Chanukah brings.
Shluchim Rabbi and Mrs. Kot organized the evening.

And of course the school children of Ohel Menachem were the stars of
the holiday. On Wednesday afternoon, a spectacular performance was
put on for the parents. The children themselves produced a slide show
and performed a puppet show which concluded with fireworks. The next
morning, the kindergarten children, 18 months through 6 years old,
performed a beautiful Chanukah play including dances, songs and poem
recitals.

This year's Chanukah will not be easily forgotten.