A joyous evening of festivities

This past Sunday, December 9, people of all ages crowded into Young Israel of Chomedey Synagogue to celebrate Chanukah, family festival style. Families feasted on sticky sufganiot (jelly filled doughnuts) and deliciously greasy latkes, (potato pancakes). The food was graciously sponsored by the City of Laval, and provided by Paradise Catering.

Rabbi Zalmen Stiefel and his wife, Sharon, walked about the rooms, greeting and welcoming people to the beautiful synagogue, which will soon (2008) celebrate 50 years of service to the community, and as a place of worship.

Joyous Chanukah music filled the room where children danced about happily and others were seated eating. The crowd was entertained by a magic show, while the outside was readied for the Menorah lighting ceremony. When the magic show was over, upwards of 400 people bravely headed out into the bitter cold, under the watchful eye of some of Laval’s Best in Blue, from Police Station 3.

Arthur Levy, master of ceremonies, reminded everyone why we were there. How 2200 years ago Judas Maccabee led a small band of brave Jews in a successful struggle for liberty and freedom of religion, against the largest army in the world. And now the Jews of Chomedey from the five synagogues and even those that did not belong to one gathered, in unity, to commemorate that victory so long ago.

The president of Young Israel of Chomedey Synagogue in turn welcomed the presidents of the other synagogues. Jerry Barinoff, who has been a member of Young Israel for 18 years and has served as president for the last 13 years, revealed sadly that about 50% of Laval’s Jews do not belong to a synagogue. He encouraged the community to give to their congregations, who are there for them when in need, citing the example of Ruth Eisenberg, and her son Stephen, who donated the beautiful chanukiah in front of the shul, in memory of the late Josef Eisenberg, husband and father.

Laval mayor Gilles Vaillancourt, said that any event important to the Jewish community is important to the mayor and the city council (represented at the event by Basile Angelopoulos). He also pointed out that the success of Laval is due in part to the success of the Jewish community.

Laval-Les Îles federal MP Raymonde Folco spoke on how interesting it is that Chanukah has become a children’s festival, as dozens of children with their bright cheery faces listened attentively. "You are the future of the community," Mrs. Folco told them.

Introduced as the 'new kid on the block', Chomedey MNA Guy Ouellette expressed his gratitude to be present: "I hope this tradition will continue for every Chanukah," he stated.

The crowd, shivering in the bitter cold, listened with interest to each speaker, one woman suggesting that the ceremony should have been held inside, especially for the sake of the many senior citizens in attendance. Mr. Ouellette, undaunted by the biting evening air, cheerily said, “We’re Canadians, we’ll survive!”

Following these political and government leaders, Rabbi Stiefel introduced rabbis David Banon and Moshe Nahan, and thanked the city of Laval and the Jewish community for their support of this event, and reminded us that we were there in celebration of religious freedom, to be able to practice our traditions, without suppression. Following some words from Rabbi Banon and Rabbi Nahan, each representing a local Sephardic congregation, the candles were lit. Among those who lit candles was Stephen Eisenburg, in memory of his father.

The candles burning brightly, Rabbi Stiefel led us in singing, “Maoz Tsur” (Rock of Ages Let Our Song…” and the crowd heartily praised the G-d who has saved them from destruction time and again. The song over, some left, others went into the warmth of the synagogue, and a few men stayed outdoors to dance the horah. It was a joyous evening of festivities.

- Dannelle Buenacasa - and Elizabeth Buenacasa, Chomedey, Laval

Photo:Gen