December 17, 2009 / 30 Kislev 5770

The atmosphere at the Jewish Agency’s Tzahal 9 Absorption Center in Safed was happy and festive, as the immigrants, who have been in Israel for all of one month, celebrated the Hanukkah holiday with singing, dancing and exciting activities.

The first Hanukkah candle was lit in front of a large crowd on Friday, and, starting on Sunday, special programs for parents and children alike were in full swing.  The programs included nightly candle lighting together with the absorption center’s staff and a choir.  The immigrants also prepared earthenware flasks and menorahs, pressed olives for oil, and made candles.  All this was, of course, accompanied by scrumptious donuts.  The program ended with walking tours of Safed’s Old City, including the synagogues and galleries of ancient menorahs.

It was truly an exciting and memorable Hanukkah for the immigrants living at Tzahal 9.