Conducting the "Hanukkah Marathon" during the festive days has become a good tradition, and the year 2023 was no exception. Participants of the "Volunteer Center" of the Cherkasy Jewish Community Center (Chesed Dorot) prepared for the marathon in advance, and the slogan of the long-awaited event became the motto "Everyday Miracles."

Some events of the marathon have become annual. For example, every year, volunteers send greeting cards to Chesed wards who live outside Cherkasy. Also, within the "Good Guest" program, they visit those with limited physical abilities to deliver Hanukkah gifts and light candles in their homes. Participants in the "Dialogue of Generations" program join the marathon, conducting thematic Hanukkah masterclasses and preparing greetings from children for elderly community members.

In addition to regular programs, new ones are born during the "Hanukkah Marathon," making it unlike any other. Among such programs is a Hanukkah-themed children's drawing contest or a flash mob where children from the Cherkasy Jewish community lit candles together with the elderly.

In 2023, the "highlight" of the marathon was a masterclass for the wards of the "Day Center" program and participants in the "Women's Club" called "Rainbow Hanukkah," during which participants learned to make candles from beeswax. Volunteers Viola Skorikova and Victoria Aksenova shared their knowledge with them.

Before the masterclass, they talked about the symbolism of candles in Judaism, particularly their role and significance during Hanukkah. Participants decorated the finished candles according to their taste, trying to put a piece of their soul into the work. They are confident that the flame of each such rainbow candle will help dispel negativity and become a source of warmth, hope, and joy.

With great pleasure, volunteers took part in the annual "Good Guest" project because, within this project, they turn into real wizards, bringing the holiday to the homes of their wards. Lighting Hanukkah candles, stories about Hanukkah, and close communication make such moments unforgettable. They unite and immerse everyone in the atmosphere of a miraculous holiday.

The days of the "Hanukkah Marathon" are behind, but we are not saying goodbye! In a year, our volunteers will again work miracles, illuminating everything around with the light of Hanukkah candles and their hearts!