For Romanian Jews, a Roving Chanukah Caravan
It seems like the kind of magical myth more suited to a children’s story than modern Europe — a roving Chanukah caravan, traveling from town to town to light Chanukah candles, sing songs and distribute delicious sufganiyot (jelly donuts).
But that's exactly how the Greater Miami Jewish Federation’s overseas partner, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), helps the Jewish community of Romania celebrate the winter holiday.
What makes Chanukah in Romania different from festivities in other countries is the geographical distribution of the approximately 8,000 Jews living in Romania today. Some towns have only a handful of Jews, who often feel isolated and alone, especially during the holiday season. This event aims to bring the Festival of Lights to every community and every Jew in Romania.
With support from the Annual Greater Miami Jewish Federation/UJA Campaign, JDC provides social welfare services to elderly Jews and children in need, including food support, winter relief, medical assistance, scholarships and other essential services.
Romanian Jewry endured great suffering during the Nazi and Communist eras, and today, many Jews are seeking ways to reconnect with Jewish life. To answer that need, JDC also offers programs to strengthen Jewish life in Romania – including summer camps, Jewish community centers and "JCC Without Walls" activities, learning opportunities, Jewish festivals and much more.
The Chanukah celebrations began with a festive candle-lighting ceremony on December 16 at Bucharest's beautiful and historic Choral Synagogue, which was attended by both the new and the outgoing presidents of Romania. The following day, seven groups of Jewish professionals and volunteers loaded into cars and vans to travel from one Jewish community to the next in Romania’s special Chanukah caravan. Each Jewish child received a special Chanukah package with a dreidel, a menorah and candles, chocolate coins and other festive treats.
Karla, a young woman from a small Romanian town, has struggled with serious health problems for years. The Chanukah caravan visits her in her remote community each year, bringing her the joy and warmth of the holiday – and, most importantly, reminding her she is not alone.
“Thank you for making me feel that I am taken care of,” Karla said. “I am very happy now and want to share that happiness with all Jews, even the ones who are not close to me physically but are always close to my heart, prayers and thoughts.”
Chanukah is also being commemorated with a special Kabbalat Shabbat service at the Jewish community center in Bucharest, and a series of celebrations in cities with sizable Jewish populations like Iasi, Timisoara and Oradea. To bring the joy of the holiday to vulnerable elderly, groups of children will visit the Jewish community's two old-age homes to sing songs and light Chanukah candles with the residents.
Your gift to the Annual Federation/UJA Campaign supports programs like these in Jewish communities around in the world, as well as in Israel and in Miami. To make a gift now, click here or call 305.576.4000, ext. 428.
