Lithuanian students experience Chanukah in Perth by Skype

December 14, 2017 by J-Wire Newsdesk
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For the second year in a row, students from Atzalynas High School in Kedainiai, Lithuania experienced first night Chanukah candle lighting in Perth by Skype.

CHABAD WA Rabbi Shalom White lighting the first candle

Eli Rabinowitz transmitted the Perth celebration on Skype through his iPhone to Lithuania.

Students watching the ceremony in their class in Kedainiai, Lithuania

Eli told J-Wire: “Last year they heard Dylan Kotkis, Carmel School Captain for 2018, sing Maoz Tzur, while Chabad WA Rabbi Shalom White explained the festival and message of Chanukah to the 15-year-old Lithuanian students.

Eli Rabinowitz with Lithuanian Holocaust survivor, Heiny Ellert, 95.
Heiny was introduced to the Lithuanian students before the candle lighting ceremony began

This was most likely the first time in 75 years that this Chanukah song would have been heard in this once important town for Jews in the central Lithuania.

No Jews live in Kedainiai today.”

Teacher Laima Ardaviciene and her class attended the candle lighting ceremony at Ben Gurion Park, Perth together with members of the WA Jewish Community. The ceremony was once again performed by Rabbi Shalom White and was preceded by a performance by entertainer Mickey Shaked. The Lithuanian students were also introduced to some locals.

Eli Rabinowitz added: “One of these was Heiny Ellert, a 95-year-old Lithuanian Holocaust survivor from Neishtot-Tavrig, today known as Žemaičių Naumiestis whose testimony I filmed for the WA Holocaust Institute in 2014. This can be viewed on YouTube at:  youtu.be/118HN2_NYHs 

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