by tskzThis year’s celebrations of the Festival of Lights by the Social and Cultural Association of Jews in Poland included concerts, meetings, lectures and joint lightening of Hannukah candles. All these festive events took place at various branches of the TSKŻ throughout Poland.
BIELSKO-BIAŁA
The Cultural Centre in Bielsko-Biała hosted celebrations marking the lighting of the eighth and final Hanukkah candle, which were attended by local residents, representatives of the municipal authorities and clergy of various denominations. The meeting constituted part of the commemorations of the 160th anniversary of independence of the local Jewish religious community and the 75th anniversary of the Social and Cultural Association of Jews in Poland. The event was highlighted by the performance by Simcha and Friends.
CZĘSTOCHOWA
On 15 December, the TSKŻ branch in Częstochowa held Hannukah celebrations combined with the 75th anniversary of the Social and Cultural Association of Jews in Poland. The meeting began with a welcome address delivered by Izabela Sobańska-Klekowska, the Chair of the Branch. The honoured task of lighting the first Hanukkah candle was entrusted to Krzysztof Matyjaszczyk, the Mayor of Częstochowa. Patrycja Zywert-Szypka and Grzegorz Szypka were behind the artistic component of the event, performing their concert Jemej Hanukkah for the audience. The concert repertoire included Hanukkah songs in Polish and Hebrew, as well as pieces authored by Jewish writers and composers. The ceremony ended with a joint meal.
GLIWICE
The celebrations of the Festival of Lights in our branch in Gliwice was of a truly exceptional nature, as they were combined with the 75th anniversary of the TSKŻ. The event was held in a specially decorated hall, featuring both Hanukkah-themed decorations and anniversary highlights. The meeting, which took on a very family-like character, was further enhanced by a performance by Lucyna and Magdalena Jarząbek, who presented music by Jewish artists. The event was complemented by traditional snacks and the presentation of small gifts to the participants.
KATOWICE
The TSKŻ Club in Katowice hosted a ceremony of opening of the Hanukkah Festival. The event was attended by both members and supporters of the local TSKŻ branch. The guests were given a welcome address, which was delivered by Paweł Grabiec, the Chairman, who familiarised them with the historical background and meaning of the Festival of Lights, including the origins of the Maccabean revolt and the symbolism of the Hanukkah miracle. The artistic aspect of the event included a Hanukkah sketch and holiday-themed songs in Hebrew, Yiddish and Polish, performed by a group of artists directed by Henryk Rajfer. Participants at the event were also treated to traditional refreshments, including latkes, cholent and sufganiyot, which were prepared by Deputy Chair of the Branch, Helena Grzebień.
KRAKÓW
On Sunday, 14 December, members and supporters of the TSKŻ gathered together at the Literary Café to celebrate Hanukkah Festival. The event participants had the opportunity to listen to a lecture entitled ‘Love and Socialism: Polish Jews at the Dawn of the Labour Movement’ delivered by Prof. Michał Bohun, and to watch the colourful performance of La Folie.
ŁÓDŹ
The participants of the Hanukkah celebration lit the candle together with members of the Jewish Religious Community in Łódź. The event was enlivened by a concert by Red Tramps. To complement the festive atmosphere, holiday treats were served. The meeting was attended by members of the TSKŻ and the municipality, as well as supporters and friends..
SZCZECIN
Members of the TSKŻ celebrated Hanukkah twice. On Tuesday, 16 December, a Jewish music concert Hanukkah, Hanukkah by Jerzy Polak and Misza Tzebriy was held at our local Club. Meanwhile, at the local domicile of the Association of Ukrainians in Poland a festive gathering took place, including a comprehensive artistic and cultural programme. Guests had the opportunity to listen to a concert consisting of nostalgic classics from the past performed by Ewa Wołoszyn and a poetic and musical performance entitled Laughter is the best medicine – Jewish Humour presented by Henryk Rajfer. An essential part of the event was the lighting of the Hanukkah candle. The celebrations were enhanced by traditional dishes and The Concert of Light and Hope by Olisound Music.
WAŁBRZYCH
On Monday, 15 December, members of the TSKŻ Wałbrzych got together to celebrate the Festival of Lights. The youngest member of the branch, Natalia Chrapek, recounted the history and significance of Hanukkah Festival. The guests had an opportunity to listen to the concert by Urszula Makosz, which was warmly received by the audience. The event was attended by many guests, including Roman Szełemej, Mayor of Wałbrzych.
WARSAW
On 14 December, the Babel Club hosted a meeting to commemorate the first day of the most joyous Jewish festival. During the meeting, Artur Hofman, the president, and Rabbi Stas Wojciechowicz discussed the history and symbolism of the Festival of Lights, and Anna Hajduk-Rynkowicz and Katarzyna Tomaszczyk from the Clil Choir led everyone present in singing Hanukkah songs. The festive atmosphere was also complemented by refreshments and symbolic Hanukkah gelt.
On the last evening of Hanukkah, the band Ciepły Wieczór (i.e. Warm Evening), composed of Honorata Kożuchowska, Piotr Aleksandrowicz, Fabian Włodarek and Michał Jaros, performed on stage at the Babel Club. The artists presented a repertoire which was inspired by Jewish culture and tradition, including works by pre-war Jewish composers and well-known Jewish songs.
WROCŁAW
On Saturday, 13 December, the TSKŻ Wrocław hosted a Hanukkah meeting with members of the Jewish community, friends and supporters of Jewish traditions. The agenda of the meeting included a short theatrical play by the Senior Citizens’ Club and Monika Chrząstowska, an actress representing the Jewish Theatre. On such a joyful day, there was no shortage of traditional treats and Hanukkah symbols, such as dreidels and Hanukkah gelt.
The Hanukkah celebrations were co-funded by the Ministry of Interior and Administration.
