Sailing Against the Tide - A Ukrainian River Adventure

Lag B’omer in Chernigov, Ukraine

The graceful ship docked at the port, and, as each smiling child got off, it was evident on his face just what this cruise meant to him.

It was the end of a wildly successful Lag B’omer event in Chernigov, Ukraine – a trip down the Desna River.

As the ship began its journey, we sailed against the tide. Fighting, against the odds to make Judaism relevant to the modern, post-Soviet era, Chernigov Jew. We welcomed children, their parents, grandparents and friends on board, for an afternoon of fun and Judaism.

One hundred Jewish men, women, and children enjoyed the view and soaked in the atmosphere. They joined in the games, enjoyed the music and the delicious refreshments. Perhaps the most fun part of the trip was to watch the children, the college students, and best of all, the seniors competing in games and acting out themes of Lag B’omer. All joined in a rally of Jewish pride, and the energy brought about by saying the 12 pesukim was palpable.

As our ship sailed back to the port, you could almost hear the thoughts swirling around people’s heads. Yes, they seemed to be saying, Judaism is alive, real, and for ‘normal people’ too. They were ready to take the plunge and become more active in Jewish life. The current was now with us.

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.