All across Ukraine, Jews celebrated the arrival of the year 5787 on a grand scale. Thousands of people participated in prayers and festive meals, heard the shofar blowing, performed the Tashlich ceremony, and together greeted the New Year in an atmosphere of unity, and hope for a good and sweet year.
One of the central events of Rosh Hashanah, the shofar blowing, was heard in synagogues throughout Ukraine, from Uzhhorod to Dnipro, by families with children, young adults, and elderly people.
During this important holiday, special attention was given to children, who along with their parents, have endured a great deal over the past several years. Kids celebrated the traditions of the Jewish New Year with fun and engaging activities, and enjoyed many tasty treats as well.
“Rosh Hashanah is a special time when every Jew turns to the Almighty with a prayer for a good and sweet year for themselves, their family, our community, our city, and all of Ukraine. It is very important that on these days many thousands of people were able to pray together, hear the shofar, share festive meals, and feel themselves part of a great Jewish family,” said Chief Rabbi of Dnipro, Shmuel Kaminezki. He continued, “this unity, care for one another, and faithfulness to Jewish tradition are the most important values of the united and cohesive Jewish Community of Dnipro.”
The food packages we distributed before the holiday came at a critical time: “In these difficult and challenging days, many stores are dealing with empty shelves, and basic food products are often in short supply,” said Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Segal, Chief Rabbi of Poltava. “The support we receive from JRNU for the Jews of our community is difficult to put into words,” Rabbi Segal said. “These generously stocked food packages do much more than meet basic needs. They bring families and community members a real sense of hope, joy and encouragement.”
We appreciate the hard work and dedication of the staff and volunteers who made the holiday memorable and fulfilling; and we thank our generous donors who make it possible. Together we save lives and restore hope.
