An American director finds the light of Hanukkah in Kyiv during the war in Ukraine

Director and producer Andrew Cohen, currently residing in Geneva, arrived in Ukraine to shoot a documentary about life in wartime conditions. Last Sunday, amidst a busy schedule, he visited Jewish communities and, despite all the difficulties, encountered what became a true Hanukkah miracle for him.

Meeting with Rabbi Rothman

When Cohen stayed at a Kyiv hotel, he was surprised by a visit from Rabbi Raphael Rothman, who is part of the Chabad synagogue in Kyiv and is the vice-chairman of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine. Seeing Andrew in the lobby, he asked, “Are you Jewish?” To which Cohen replied, “Yes, I am looking for a way to light a Hanukkah candle here. This is my Hanukkah miracle.” This meeting became not only a symbol of spiritual closeness but also a confirmation of the power of tradition in the most challenging times.

Tradition and Restoration of Menorahs

Every year, Rabbi Rothman sets up large menorahs in the lobbies of Kyiv hotels so that Jewish tourists can fulfill the commandment. This year, he managed to install new menorahs, significantly larger than before. This was made possible by the restoration after the warehouse where the old menorahs were stored was destroyed by a Russian missile a few months ago.

Hanukkah on Maidan

The third night of Hanukkah in the center of Kyiv on Maidan became special. The ceremony of lighting the third candle attracted the attention of important guests, including Ms. Julie Davis, the acting chargé d’affaires of the United States in Ukraine, and Mr. Piotr Łukasiewicz, the Polish ambassador to Ukraine. On this day, the menorah on Maidan was lit by Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko, symbolizing the importance of preserving Jewish traditions even in wartime conditions.

Ceremony in the Prime Minister’s Office

An equally important event was the candle lighting ceremony in the office of Ukraine’s Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko. The event was attended by the chairman of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine, Rabbi Meir Stamler, Rabbi Raphael Rothman, as well as the emissary brothers of the Beit Wolf community — Rabbi Avraham Raba, the chief rabbi of Odessa, and Rabbi Yossi Raba, the chief rabbi of Kherson. This moment became another testament to the resilience of Jewish traditions in times of crisis.

These events highlight how, in difficult times, the transmission of cultural and religious heritage continues, despite all the challenges of war and destruction.

NAnews — News of Israel | Nikk.Agency