A 91-year-old Jewish woman, named Miriam, was one of the people profiled in “Souls on the Don” – a photo-essay highlighting special souls in Rostov, as reported by COLlive.com.
Miriam has no family; they were all killed in the war, and she never had children. For Miriam, her whole life is the shul, and her ‘family’ is the Jewish community.
Despite having witnessed violent pogroms and horrific atrocities during the Holocaust, Miriam expressed her heartfelt feelings when she lit the Chanukah candles.
“I listen to the flickering flames whispering Judaism’s message to me: no matter how much darkness we face, we can always light a candle and brighten up our world,” she said.
Imagine her surprise when she found out that her words struck a chord with Jews from every corner of the world, and more than 1,000 people liked her post, shared her story, and commented warmly. One man said he will light Chanukah candles in her honor that night.
Miriam is a beloved member of the Rostov Jewish community, and she attended almost all the Chanukah programs in the city. She was present at the large outdoor menorah lighting ceremony; she was a star at the senior’s club party; she took part in the annual Chanukah musical concert with 1,000 other guests and she was the last person to leave! The only activity she was not able to participate in was the Youth Group Chanukah party on ice.
This was the best Chanukah that Miriam can remember – enjoying many events, and witnessing the impact her words had on others in distant places. Miriam’s story reminds us that every individual, no matter their age or circumstance, can create positive change in the world.
See below, for pictures of Miriam, and her beautiful community of Rostov, celebrating Chanukah.
VIDEOS:
Lighting up the City – Chanukah 2017
Rostov Chanukah Concert
Rostov Boys Sing in English
Shoutout to the Danzingers!!! Keep doing ur amazing shlichus!
It brings back memories of seeing videos from the FSU, of the work many years ago, of the talented children’s music leader Chaya Yavich, a”h, who later came to the US. She was so gifted and giving of her talents, and was taken from us so very young!
Looks like alot of work went into this! I like the background sceneries & lighting!! Much cont’d hatzlacha!!
I was on Shlichus in Rostov 25 years ago, so nice to see! keep up the good work and be successful!
The Steiner’s and Uptown Chabad in Toronto
Lovely pictures,
Dancinger and Stolin families!!
Continue in your amazing work and amazing shlichus!!!