Hamantaschen and Music in Kishinev
On Saturday evening, a large crowd gathered at the Great Synagogue in Kishinev for the traditional reading of the Megillah. Afterwards, the Havdalah service was recited, marking the end of Shabbat, and the traditional Purim gift of mishloach manot was given out to the many Jews who filled the synagogue. Everyone also enjoyed traditional hamantaschen cakes. Among the many visitors were Shabtai Chanocheyev, leader of the Jewish community of the Caucasus and Buchara, and numerous Israeli students attending the local medical school.
Another successful event was a Purim concert, which was held in Kishinev’s Grand Concert Hall and was attended by thousands of Jews. Everyone received a booklet of the Megillah reading, mishloach manot, and a special card explaining the meanings of the practices of the day.
Chabad workers ran stands at the entrance to the hall offering Jewish reading material and a chance to put on tefillin.
At the end of the concert, a stand opened offering readings of the Megillah, and many Jews took advantage of this opportunity to hear it.
Purim for Israeli Medical Students in Moldova
On Purim night, the students were personally invited from their dormitories to the Great Synagogue to listen to the Megillah, and a large crowd did attend.
On Purim itself, a special area was set up in the city center, near the Great Synagogue, where the Megillah was read throughout the day for any students who had missed the earlier readings.
Of course, no Purim would be complete without a party and a main party and Megillah reading was held on Purim night. Mishloach manot was handed out, there was lively dancing, and a fascinating explanation of the meaning of the day. To make things even more pleasant for the students, the mishloach manot packages included Israeli snacks and hamantaschen, both of which were a warm reminder of home.
But that was not the end of the story. The next day, Shushan Purim, special lectures were held for the students in Kishinev on the subject of “Torah is Light.” The students were fascinated and only wanted to know more.
