Jewish Traces in Unexpected Places: Sofia, Bulgaria Celebrates Jewish Life

The first Festival of Jewish Culture was held outside the National Palace of Culture in Sofia on September 15 2013. The festival featured Jewish music, dance, art, cinema, literature and learning in 18 sukkah-shaped stalls. One of the presentations was on Jewish humor.

Bulgarian television celebrity chef Uti Buchvarov prepared a huge Shakshuka (one of the most popular egg dishes in Israel) for the visitors. The event was, organized by Shalom, the organization of the Jews in Bulgaria, with the support of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee and a number of other organizations, including the Sofia municipality. 

The concept of the event was to give Bulgarian society the opportunity to better acquaint themselves with Bulgaria’s Jewish community in a way that organizers hope will become an annual tradition.

Especially popular was the opportunity to join in learning to make challah. Guests also had the chance to visit a replica of part of the Western Wall, and place papers with prayers, as is done in the original in Jerusalem.

Israel's ambassador in Sofia, Shaul Kamisa-Raz and leading members of the Jewish community attended the event. Musical attractions included performances by the Amsterdam Klezmer Band.

Enjoy!

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