We have 2 Rabbinical students here to help infuse the community with Holiday energy and atmosphere.
Interestingly enough, one of them is Netanel. I met him originally in Kiev, where he was learning Smicha - Rabbinical ordination, and on my last trip to France, we met again, and he graciously volunteered to come to come to Chernigov for Holidays.
The first night of Rosh Hashana, we had Tefilot, followed by a light Kiddush with the holiday symbols. It was attended by 40 people, some of them in synagogue for the first time!
For the holiday dinner we hosted in our home different Jewish dignitaries who enjoyed themself until midnight!
For the first day, we had about 50 people for the tefilot, again followed by a light kiddush.
In the evening, we has a large community meal with shofar blowing, Tashlich, and a special children's program. It was attended by 70 people, including youth.
We also visited Jews who could not leave their work to blow shofar for them there.
The first day of the Holiday alone, we walked about 17-18 Km.
The second day attendance was a bit lower - about 25-30 people
For Shabbat, even after two full days of holidays, we over 20 men in the synagogue (and more ladies)!
