Vladivostok’s Jews Celebrate Chanukah With Look Over Past Year

Members of Vladivostok, Russia's Jewish community filled the city's Philharmonic Concert Hall this week for a Chanukah menorah lighting and celebration of strides made in Jewish life in the Pacific coastal port.

The evening's program included entertainers from all over Russia.

Chabad-Lubavitch Rabbi Yisroel Silberstein, the city's chief rabbi who arrived with his wife Aliza just last year, spoke about the message of the Chanukah lights.

"We must add in light," he urged. "What was good yesterday, is today no longer satisfactory.

"We cannot remain satisfied with the past year's progress," he added. "We, as a community, will continue to grow."

The community recently embarked on a renovation project for its synagogue, returned to the community 70 years after Soviet authorities confiscated the building. In March, the community had to deal with the threat of anti-Semitism when vandals spray-painted swastikas and threatening slogans to the synagogue.

A dinner for dignitaries followed the event, which also marked Silberstein's birthday. Regional Gov. Sergei Darkin called to personally congratulate the rabbi on his birthday and the community's achievements.