Last week, during their school holiday, young men and women from Dnipro helped elderly and sick members of the local Jewish community celebrate the holiday of Sukkot. The students visited Jews who were unable to attend synagogue services, helping them fulfill the mitzvah of blessing the four species and reminding them they are not alone.
Three groups of young women went to 15 different addresses, including private homes and senior centers, sharing holiday treats and conversation, bringing joy to the elderly residents. The young men also split into groups and visited elderly single men in their homes and care centers.
On Friday, in addition to continuing these visits, the young men assisted four women prepare for the last days of the holiday, bringing them kosher juice and sweets. The women were elated to spend time with the young guests, sharing stories and laughter.
“The boys and girls participated very actively in the visits; it was wonderful to see their joy in sharing the holiday with other Jews,” noted Ilana Esther Shpolyanska-Khanelis, a member of the Dnipro Jewish Community who coordinated the program. “Our students brought the joy of Sukkot to the elderly, and they rejoiced in the opportunity to do good. These encounters, the connection and care between generations of Jews, manifests the closeness of our local Jewish community.”
It is an honor and privilege to support the Jews of Dnipro and throughout Ukraine. Together we save lives and restore hope.
