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fot. Andrzej Stawiński

This year we listened to the extremely impressive oratorio Judas Maccabeaus by George Friedrich Handel, performed by the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir conducted by Maciej Tomasiewicz. The solo parts were sung by Aneta Kapla-Marszałek (soprano), Anna Krawczuk (alto) and Krzysztof Matuszak (bass). As every year, the ceremony was hosted by Andrzej Sułek.

– Hanukkah is a joyful holiday during which we remember the liberation of Israel from the Greeks – Monika Krawczyk, director of the Jewish Historical Institute, began the ceremony by explaining the history of the holiday. – To commemorate this event from almost 2,200 years ago, Jews light Hanukkah candles for eight days – one more each day. They sing the song Maoz cur, a hymn to God, recite blessings and rejoice in the victory of light over darkness, both physical and spiritual. I wish you God's blessing on all the upcoming holidays and a Hanukkah full of light. May the glow of Hanukkah candles unite us today in experiencing this joy together and encourage us to build bonds and good relationships. Merry and joyful holidays!

The first candle at this year's Hanukkiah was lit by Rabbi Shalom Dov Ber Stambler.

– The word "Hanukkah" comes from the Hebrew root word hinuch: education and upbringing – he said. – This holiday is a beautiful occasion for every good thing. Every parent and every teacher should ensure that the children around him have a good education. That they have an atmosphere, they have conditions and they have clear values regarding human rights and mutual respect. Today we will light one candle, but tomorrow it will not be enough and there will be two candles, and three candles – because when it comes to good things, what was sufficient yesterday is no longer sufficient today and we have to add and add – until the number eight, which is a symbol of infinity.

– So let's celebrate Hanukkah, the festival of light. Let us always remember the difference between evil and good and support good – concluded the official part Israeli ambassador Yacov Livne.

After lighting a candle and learning about the fascinating history of the creation of the oratorio, presented to us by Andrzej Sułek, we listened to this musical story about the victory that we celebrate every year. Thank you for celebrating together and once again we wish you as much goodness and light as possible – until eternity.

The partners of the concert were the Warsaw Ghetto Museum and the Social and Cultural Association of Jews in Poland.

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