Cypriot authorities honored the Jewish Holiday of Chanukah

The eight-days-Jewish-holiday Chanukah had begun (from Wednesday 27th November) with a splendour that has become a custom in Cyprus for the past 10 years.
Hundreds attended the official ceremony which took place at the Municipal theatre in Larnaca. Representatives from the Cypriot government, ambassadors, members of the EU and Israeli parliament, members of the Cypriot municipalities and chiefs of the police were among the guests that honored the event.

The Mayor of Larnaca, Andreas Louroutziatis addressed the crowd, congratulating the community and wished them to continue to flourish and grow.
The Chief Rabbi of Cyprus Rabbi Arie Zeev Raskin was privileged with the kindling of the traditional Chanukah candelabrum, the Menorah. – the Chanukah Menorah – the traditional eight branch candelabrum.
“Every day we light one more candle on the menorah, this symbolizes the good deeds we have done; today we have one candle, tomorrow two, and every day one more good deed to make this world a better place”.
Subsequent to the official ceremony, the participants had the opportunity to taste the Chanukah traditional cuisine, composed by the “Latkes” fried potato balls, and sweet doughnuts as well as a unique kosher wine produced in Cyprus.
Chanukah – the Jewish festival of light – started, all across the world, with the lighting of the first menorah on 27th of November. The Jewish holiday of Chanukah is celebrated for eight days and, as per the Hebrew calendar, starts on the 25th day of Kislev.

The word Chanukah means "dedication" or "induction" and the festival is celebrated with reverence by the Jewish community across the world with the lighting of the first candle of the Menorah – a nine-branched candelabra. And, according to tradition, an additional branch is lit every successive night, up until the final night of the ritual.

For more information please call Cyprus Jewish Community Centre at 24 828 770 or email: [email protected]