The Jewish population of Kabul equals one. His name is Zablon Simintov, and believe it or not, he lives about ½ mile from me right now. The stories about him state that he doesn’t take visitors. However, he will open his door if you bring him a bottle of Johnnie Walker Red whiskey. There was a large Jewish population in Afghanistan at one time, but most immigrated to Israel starting around 1948 and culminated after the Soviet invasion of 1979 supposedly leaving about 10 Jews in the entire country in 1996. That number is now down to one. Of course, you must now also add the Jewish people that are here due to military deployments or working in other Government and Non-government organizations.
So, now that you know the situation of Jews in Kabul, what if I told you we celebrated the first day of Hanukkah at a Bar Mitzvah here? Check out these pictures of probably the first Bar Mitzvah held in Kabul since who knows when. Army Second Lieutenant Kazar was Bar Mitzvahed by Rabbi Bazar at Camp Phoenix, Kabul on 21 December, the first day of Hanukkah. I guess he was a bit of a troublemaker growing up, so his parents sent him to military school when he was 12. Needless to say, he wasn’t able to be Bar Mitzvahed at the traditional ago of 13. He met Rabbi Bazar on his way here for his deployment that eventually led to this day…pretty cool! And yes that is my blurry face up at the Bima to help with the Torah reading.
Oh, the Rabbi had some guys build and erect a giant menorah in front of the chapel at Camp Phoenix so I had to take a picture with my friend Risa. By the way, I should have told you, Camp Phoenix is another camp here in Kabul that we frequently drive to. It’s about a 30-minute drive in traffic...which there always is!
Now that's a Menorah!
In case the Bar Mitzvah on the first day of Hanukkah wasn’t enough, Rabbi Bazer came out to Camp Eggers on Friday night to hold special Hanukkah/Shabbat service followed by a feast prepared by the local Afghans that work in the dining facility. They made us homemade latkas and jelly doughnuts, both traditional Hanukkah treats.
Nice attendance for Friday night service. People came from all over Kabul area.
Top: Afghan made latkas and jelly doughnuts. We even had Hanukkah tablecloths!
Of course, Hanukkah wouldn't be complete without me lighting the Hanukkah candles in the office. Amazingly, I had three different menorahs in the office to light. I had the traditional menorah that came in a package from "Kosher Troops." I had one that my friend Cathy made for me that consisted of light-candles and a homemade mat. Lastly I had one that Layla's daughter Kylee made that required tearing off a sticker each night to reveal a lit candle.
Lighting and "peeling" candles on last night of Hanukkah. Also notice the cool menorah wall-hanging in top-left picture.
The shelf above my desk was totally Hanukkahed out!
Thanks to all my friends and family that sent Hanukkah packages with cards, presents, and goodies I had one of the most festive Hanukkahs in a long time...even though it was on the other side of the world from all of you. So thank you all so much!
I must leave you with a picture of this Rice Krispy Menorah sent to me by my friend Susan. How cool its that!?!
I must leave you with a picture of this Rice Krispy Menorah sent to me by my friend Susan. How cool its that!?!
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