„Maccabi“ sports club
The first Jewish sports club was established in 1895, in Istambul (Turkey). It was called „Maccabi“. The members of the club named it after the national Jewish hero Judas Maccabeus. He led the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid empire in 164 AD and regained and rededicated the Temple of Jerusalem. To commemorate the rededication of the most sacred place for the Jewish community – The Temple – and to emphasise the spiritual victory, the Jews celebrate a winter festival (the victory of the light against the darkness) – Hanukkah (Hebrew – renewal). During this time the Jews place Hanukkiah at home – a special lampstand for eight candles. These days they are placed in the public places in Lithuania as well. Traditionally, one candle is lit every day for eight days. This ritual is called „the declaration of the news about the miracle“. During this time the Jews eat scones, donuts and other oil-fried dishes. Litvaks make potato pancakes, latkes, during this period.
After establishing the club in Turkey the idea about joining sports clubs and spending free time to stay fit and healthy, not worrying about sporting victories quickly spread throughout Western Europe. However, such clubs were not so quick to appear in Russian empire. The first „Maccabi“ club in the territory of Lithuania was established in Vilnius, in 1916. After the Restoration of the Independence ( February 16, 1918) „Maccabi“ clubs became very popular among young people. The first club was established in 1919, in Kaunas, and in a year „Maccabi“ club members from Marijampolė might have taken part in the convention of all Lithuanian „Maccabi“ clubs, too. Many of the clubs started from football, later on there were other sports, the girls also joined the clubs. Marijampolė „Maccabi“ club had their football team.
The Jews of Lithuania took part in the competitions between other „Maccabi“ clubs or Lithuanian clubs and also represented Lithuania in the World Jew sporting event Makkabiad.
Hanukkah is a winter festival celebrated by the Jews to commemorate the Maccabean Revolt and rededication of the Temple. The Talmud tells the legend that after the temple of Jerusalem was destroyed by the Hellens, one jug with olive oil which was used to light the menorah (seven lamp lampstand) was found there. Its light had to restore sacredness of that place. There was very little oil but miraculously it burned for eight days until more oil was brought to perform the ceremonies. The legend tells about continuous worship of God and loyalty of the Chosen nation.
The Litvak(s) – the Jew(s) from the Grand Duchy of Lithuania (Lithuania – Heb.Lita, Yid. Lite) , keeping to Jewish traditions and speaking litvish, the dialect of Yiddish.