My youngest son, doing his part for Jews in the former USSR whie his older brother enjoys a vacation in Israel.
Did I mention he's single? :)
Posted on 10/04/2004 10:27:19 AM PDT by Alouette
MOSCOW, Russia – Jews in Moscow celebrated Sukkot at different venues, one of the most unique being a Sukkah situated on the grounds of the U.S. Embassy in Moscow.
"Sukkot was always my favorite holiday," admitted Lori Shestack, an employee and resident of the embassy. "For me it was a great pleasure to share this holiday with many friends and my family, as well as a number of the embassy’s staff."
Ms. Shestack, who is the Head of the trade and investment unit at the U.S. embassy, and a mother of two, was quite saddened when her 'easy to assemble Sukkah' failed to be delivered to her home in Moscow in time for last year's Sukkot holiday.
"This summer I was in New York, and I was determined to see to it that I would be spending Sukkot in a Sukkah at my house," says Lori, "I myself went to the post office and packed and mailed it to my Russian address."
Having received permission from the Administration of the U.S. embassy to erect the Sukkah on the compound, Lori wasted no time in putting up her Sukkah, with the help of her 13-year old son Eli and several of his friends.
This is the first time the Embassy has a Sukkah located on the compound. “Many people came over to ask what it is,” Lori explained, “I let them know about the Jewish Holiday, and I explained why we as Jews celebrate this Holiday”.
Decorations for the Sukkah were made by her daughter Miriam, as well as pupils from the Sunday School for English-speaking children of Expat Jews,operated by the Federation of Jewish Communities of the CIS. The 30 children cut out and decorated Chinese lanterns, in addition to making a large welcome sign showing the children's handprints.
Throughout the holiday, the Shestack family had more then 30 guests. "We had visitors from the Canadian Embassy, guests from Israel, South Africa, Russia, and America. You can call us the international Sukkah!" exclaimed the embassy worker.
Elsewhere in Moscow, Jews celebrated Sukkot at several other gatherings. At the Moscow Jewish Community Center, the halls were packed to capacity. More then 1300 people turned for a day full of fun and excitement.
Children gathered in the main hall, which was beautifully decorated with balloons. Right in the center of the room was a large Lulav and Etrog made of balloons.
The youngsters laughed and giggled as the students from the local 'Tomchei Tmimim' Yeshiva entertained them, dressed as clowns and performed skits. Following the show, the children took part in a number of carnival games, where they had the chance to win wonderful prizes. Many adults simultaneously enjoyed a concert put on by the ‘Hasidic Capella’ Choir.
"Jewish awareness has grown tremendously here in Moscow," said Rabbi Chaim Machlin, the Director of 'Beit Chabad-Marina Roscha'. "Here we are giving people a chance to enjoy the holiday, perform the Mitzvah of shaking the Lulav and Etrog, and have a great time while they're at it".
Refreshments were provided in the 850-capacity Sukkah near the Marina Roscha JCC.
Maybe not, if the police thought it was a tent for the homeless. The DNC might even feature you and your sukkah in their next anti-Bush ad.
Not a chance. We're all Republicans here.
My youngest son, doing his part for Jews in the former USSR whie his older brother enjoys a vacation in Israel.
Did I mention he's single? :)
Hmmm, I know some young single Orthodox girls (courtesy of some Jewish friends) who would be willing to give him a tour of Pittsburgh, tee hee!
LOLOLOL!!!
OHH I see some Freepers matchmaking your son OH YEAH
They be along
Hey Alouette is this one that you found Playboy magazines in his room after he left Israeli army LOL!
LOLOLOL!!!
OHH I see some Freepers matchmaking your son OH YEAH
They be along
Hey Alouette is this one that you found Playboy magazines in his room after he left Israeli army LOL!
LOLOLOL!!!
OHH I see some Freepers matchmaking your son OH YEAH
They be along
Hey Alouette is this one that you found Playboy magazines in his room after he left Israeli army LOL!
Great! Thanks for the ping.
Can I ask, what foods do you serve during this holiday?
Too many and too much.
Seriously, here is what we had for Sukkot:
Roast brisket
Roasted potatoes and sweet potatoes
Stuffed cabbage
Gefilte fish
Chicken soup with noodles & matzoh balls
Blueberry pie for dessert.
Now tomorrow is "Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah" so I'm making:
Cornish hens with wild rice stuffing
Candied sweet potatoes
Stuffed cabbage (I made enough for an army and froze it)
Chicken soup with noodles & matzoh balls
Baked rainbow trout (I am getting tired of gefilte fish!)
Stuffed cabbage is traditional for Sukkot, the rest of the foods are regular holiday/Sabbath foods that we eat all year round.
YUM! Sounds great! My son was invited over to a friend's house during the holiday. He only mentioned the Mazoh balls.
Now, would you mind telling us about "Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah" ?
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