Jews celebrate

Jews in Barbados from all over the world gathered at the Hilton Hotel on Thursday to celebrate Hanukkah.

Barbados TODAY caught up with those representing places as far as Romania, Israel, Canada, London and the USA for the eight-day Festival of Lights.

During his address for the fifth night of the festival, Rabbi Eli Chaikin of Chabad Barbados said he was very proud of the inroads made by the organisation over the last five years of hosting Hanukkah and providing Jewish services.

“We had a wonderful crowd tonight. Two hundred people from all over the world who celebrate Hanukkah [came to the Hilton] and the idea is to take a place, share the light and be concerned and to care for others,” he said.

As for next year, the Rabbi said that he hopes to promote the event in an even bigger way but more importantly, to share the light with the world.

“People are open to messages of light, openness and togetherness and we can all share that together. As long as we can connect and be in the same vibe and share a lot of light in unity [all will be well],” Chaikin added.

One gentleman who gave his name as Lewis said the event was wonderful. “For Jews and non-Jews, coming together to see the lighting of the Menorah was absolutely amazing. It was lovely to see so many children here,” he said.

Barbadian Sam Pillersdorf shared that for 15 years he has been coming back to home from Canada. For him, the ceremony is more historical and cultural than directly religious.

He added that his parents, who were in concentration camps during World War II, always had a special spot for Barbados.

“They loved Barbados and the community in Barbados and all of the people,” he recalled.

Pillersdorf said he hopes younger Jews keep on in the religion: “It’s a difficult problem for [them] in Barbados because the community is growing smaller and smaller and Barbados has such a rich cultural history of Jewish life.”

Meanwhile, 21-year-old Reuben Deutsch from Bucharest said he had only positive words for fellow Jewish youth.

“Life isn’t easy, but not difficult. We have good and bad. I find it wonderful being a Jew and I like my place in life. Everyone needs to know that everyone’s life is what it is. We can’t wish for a different life,” he said.

Canadian- Barbadian Nathalie Gibson was ecstatic about the event this year.

“I love Hannuka. It is a beautiful celebration and I love the beachfront. My mom is a Jew. Growing up with her was different but I learnt to embrace it,” she said.

Celebrations will continue into Monday, including the lighting of the Menorah candles. (MR)