2 October 2016. It’s Rosh Hashanah… The Start of the High Holy Days

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Today is the start of Rosh Hashanah (commonly called “Jewish New Year”)… the beginning of the High Holy Days that end with Yom Kippur (that’s 11/12 October this year). Except for Pesach (Passover), this is the holiest time of the Jewish liturgical year… Chanukah doesn’t even come close. If your Jewish friends or coworkers need a hand during this period, give it to them! It’s a hectic time of year for them. Do whatever good that you can do for them with a good heart, expecting nothing in return (“Yes, I WILL have some of the honey cake and Carmel wine… thank you, very much!”). We’re Christians; that’s what we do.

One last thing… remember the words of a humble Greek country pappas during the German occupation in World War II… “Our Lord Christ lived and died a believing Jew”. We should have the same attitude. Respect others and their faiths… full stop. That IS our duty as Christians. If we fail to honour that, we’re no Christians, and I’m not afraid to say so. I confide that I’m not alone in thinking that way…

BMD

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22 April 2016. It’s Past Sundown… The Jewish Passover is On!

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The sun is down, so the Jewish Passover has begun, running until sundown 30 April. This is, perhaps, the defining festival for all Jews in all climes and all times. The Seder is the Table of Freedom for all Jews… it symbolises their liberation from slavery in Egypt. Many Jews take this theme of liberation and extend it to the general society. Look at Saul Solomon, a politician in 19th century Cape Colony, who stated, “[I] give my decided opposition to all legislation tending to introduce distinctions either of class, colour, or creed”. We also see this thirst for justice in Bernie Sanders, who despite being non-observant, is still a proud Jew. Friends have told me that Passover for them is the Festival of Freedom, not just for Jews, but for all people. Remember this… as a lowly Greek country pappas said during World War II during the fascist occupation of Greece, “Our Lord Christ lived and died a believing Jew”. Antisemitism amongst Christians is self-hatred and oxymoronic… do ponder that…

BMD

Zakharchenko Sent Official Passover Greetings to the Jewish Community in the DNR

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OFFICIAL

My dearest compatriots!

To all members of the Jewish community in the DNR!

I greet you on the sacred holiday of Passover, which draws all believers to spiritual and moral values, to the ideals of freedom, goodness, and justice. During their long history, the Jewish people experienced many tragic times, often they faced destruction. However, during the most serious tests, your indomitable faith and devotion to the spiritual values of your ancestors helped you to stand tall. The Jewish community of our multiethnic Donbass is an extremely important element that strengthens our society, helping to bring us interethnic peace and harmony. The Jewish people have always been an example for us of diligence, fortitude, and natural talent. I sincerely wish all of you good health, happiness, domestic prosperity and abundance, family happiness, and most importantly… a pure and peaceful heaven over your head.

A V Zakharchenko

Chairman of the DNR Government

3 April 2015

DAN Donetsk News Agency

http://dan-news.info/politics/zaxarchenko-pozdravil-evrejskuyu-obshhinu-dnr-s-prazdnikom-pesax.html

3 April 2015. Happy Passover to All of My Friends Keeping the Feast

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Happy Pesach to all of my friends keeping the Feast of Passover. It starts at sundown today and runs until sunset on Saturday 11 April. If you wanna know what they’re celebrating, click here. The Seder is the centre of the Jewish Year, just like Easter is the centre of the Christian Year. So, give your friends some space, it may seem that they may have some “weird” things going on diet-wise for the next week… hey, it’s their religion, so, give ’em some room.

My best wishes to all of you.

BMD