Here he is!

Baby Chaim in all his finery

A note from little Chaim:

In exactly 8 days, I am going on a very, very long journey, all the way to a far-away country called Ukraine. I will really try hard to be a good boy and not cry the entire plane ride. We can inspire and touch our fellow Jews only with your help. Please would you make a donation in my honor?

With love,
Chaim, 11 days old

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A Chernigov Chanukah

Young  and old are involved

Having a blast

The Military Orchestra

A Chanukah Drama

Booth #1 at the fair

Spellbound

Our own, one-and-only, stash of gold, the 'Goldener Menner' choir performing their old Yiddish classics

A Chanukah Gala Concert

Rosh Hashanah report

Here is our Rosh Hashanah report:

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)!

Happy New Year from Chernigov

Wishing you a Shana Tova u'Mituka!
Rabbi Yisroel & Aliza Silberstein
Chernigov, Ukraine 

About Us

A  blog about life in the Jewish Community of Chernigov (Chernihiv), Ukraine.

History:
On the eve of the Communist revolution, 30% of the population of Chernigov was Jewish. It was a thriving Jewish community with many synagogues, Jewish schools, yeshivas, and a mikvah. Both the 5th and the 6th Chabad Rebbes personally came to Chernigov to facilitate the community affairs. The chief rabbi of Chernigov was the famed goan R’ Dovid Tzvi Chein.

The Community:
Chernigov has approximately 5000 Jews. Jewish life is lead by the devoted community president Semyon Belman and Rabbi Silberstein.

The Silbersteins:
Rabbi Yisroel and Aliza Silberstein moved to Chernigov with their family in 2009. Their 3 children, Mendel, Baila and Chaya are dedicated to looking after the younger members of the community.

Location:
The Chernigov region is a strategic point between the capital of Ukraine and the borders of Belarus and Russia. Within the Chernigov region, just 90 kilometers from Chernigov, is the tzion of the 2nd Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Dovber. Many people have had wondrous blessings after praying at his kever, and we feel
that he is personally looking out for the Jewish community of Chernigov.

This Sweet Torah

The kosher ice cream,a once a year production, was sent to us all the way from Donetsk on the other side of the country. It was carefully kept in the freezer for the past month. Allen, who runs an ice-cream bar, graciously got things set up.

A crowd of 60 gathered, and anticipation built as they waited for the desserts.

The Torah was read, and people were thrilled to get aliyahs. The 10 commandments were read to a fascinated audience, some of whom had never been in synagogue before.

Then, everyone made their way downstairs where a delicious dessert buffet was set up. The fruit, homemade cakes, and of course, ice creams and various toppings were thoroughly enjoyed by all. The kids especially loved tasting all the kosher sweets.

May the message and the sweetness of the Torah seep in to us and stay with us all year round.