The Jewish community of Kyiv is beginning 2026 with the wonderful gift of a restored torah scroll. The very special donation was made by the Vasilievskys, in memory of the mothers of their family who kept a Jewish home, raised Jewish children, and upheld Jewish life even during Communist rules.
The scroll had been held for decades by a non-Jewish family and required significant resources to restore it for use.
“About a year and a half into the current crises,” shared Rabbi Vishedski, ”we decided to do a special deed to protect, defend, rescue, and secure the Jews of Ukraine—especially those in need of redemption from captivity. We were searching for something deeper and Divine Providence led us to this very special scroll that itself needed to be redeemed.”
The dedication ceremony was well attended, with hundreds of community members and distinguished guests in attendance, including The Honorable Olga Vasylevska and other members of Ukraine’s parliament, the Head and Deputy Head of the Podilskyi District Administration. The final letters of the scroll were written, followed by dancing and other festivities that “brought deep emotion and strength to our community,” according to Rabbi Vishedski.
The restored Torah scroll will serve as a source of protection and strength, bringing unity and hope for salvation to the Jews of Kyiv, Ukraine, and beyond.
Together we save lives and restore hope.
