“The Hanuka holiday, started by Jewish sages, tells a story which happened over two millenniums ago. At the time (the second half of 2 c. BC) Jerusalem as well as the whole of ancient Judea were under the domination of the Greek-Syrian rulers of the Selevkid Dynasty. The situation deteriorated in 175 BC, when Antiochus IV Epiphanes took the rule. The Jews were forbidden to live in accordance with the Taura laws. The service at the temple was also banned, while the Menor (the seven-candlestick) was put out and thus desecrated. The Jews loyal to the Taura (the Old Testament), led by Judea Makabei, rose in rebellion. As soon as they entered the desecrated temple, they had to relight the seven-candlestick, but they only found a small pitcher full of olive oil, which would last for no more than a day. Then a miracle happend. The oil burnt in the candlestick for eight whole days (long enough to prepare new pure oil).

The Jews commemorate this heroic feat of liberation from slavery, every year they light their Hanuka (eight-candlestick) and tell the story of the miracle.”

This was recounted to the guests by Mrs. Ahuva Sharon, the wife of the Israeli Ambassador in Bulgaria. On the occasion of Hanuka on December 14, 2004, a few days before Christmas Eve, Mrs. Sharon played host to a wonderful evening, organized with the cooperation of the Cultural Department in Sofia Municipality and Bulgarian Diplomatic Review Magazine. The pupils from the Jewish school in Sofia presented a specially made program and lit the eight candles of the Hanuka at the Jewish Home. With the kindling of every flame, they uttered their child-like, innocent and innermost wish for health, kindness, success, compassion, enlightenment, happiness and light.

An exceptional experience for the guests was the performance of the famous singer Lika, a favorite of the Bulgarian Jews.

The proceeds from the charity evening went to the Home for Elderly Actors in Sofia.