Shavei Israel celebrates Hanukah: Bnei Anousim in Portugal, San Nicandro and El Salvador
Shavei Israel communities around the world are celebrating Hanukah this week. Here’s a selection of photos from Portugal, San Nicandro and El Salvador.
Portugal
In the tiny village of Belmonte, Bnei Anousim community members Madalena Barata, Marina Ehrlich, Pedro Turner, Ana Braz and Sandra Berlin are lighting the Hanukah candles this week. Here are some photos to light up even the coldest December night.
On Tuesday this week, a public candle lighting was held in the town square together with the mayor. Sufganiot (Hanukah donuts) were distributed to the nearly 150 people who braved the cold to come out. Read more about the Bnei Anousim.
El Salvador
On the last day of Hanukah, the Beit Israel community in San Salvador will be pulling out all the stops, with a party including music and “pyrotechnics,” our local correspondent reports. The entire community is expected to come out.
Italy
Our correspondent in Italy reports that on Wednesday, December 28, there will be a community candle lighting ceremony in Palermo’s Steri Prison, the infamous former headquarters of the Inquisition. Eighty people are expected to participate along with the local council.
Colombia
On Sunday, a large event for the children of the Beit Hillel community in Bogota was held. Eighty people attended. Tonight in Cucuta, a festive dinner for 60 people will be held.
But don’t leave so soon: tomorrow (Thursday), it’s wedding time for several couples who recently returned to Judaism.
San Nicandro
We have a picture and a video from the small Bnei Anousim community in San Nicandro, Italy. Read more here.
