Torah and Ice Cream Together

Shavuos,  here we come!

Passing the Roadblock - a Miracle!

As Ukraine gears up for elections, tensions run high. Road blocks have become a fact of life. Thoughts of referendums, annexation, and war are on everyone’s minds. At this sensitive time, the Jews of Chernigov made the 1.5 hr trip to Nyezhin, in the Chernigov region, to the ohel, or resting place, of Rabbi Dov Ber, the second Chabad Rebbe, also known as the Mitteler Rebbe. They appreciated every second of their chance to pray for their future and the future of their country.

 “Visiting the Rebbe in Nyezhin”, explained Avner, 45, “gives me the energy to keep going until next year, next Lag B’omer, when I will again be able to make the trip to the ohel.”

Later, the community enjoyed a delicious barbeque picnic, exciting activities for the children, and outdoor fun. The talk on the bus ride home, however, was all about inspiration and resolutions for the future. Children talked eagerly about the upcoming camp. One mother made plans for Bat Mitzvah lessons for a group of girls. Some men discussed what they can do to encourage more of their friends to attend the Shabbos minyan.

Rabbi Dov Ber, the “Mitteler Rebbe”, celebrated Lag B’omer as a truly special holiday. On this day, as recorded in the Hayom Yom, many miracles occurred.

The Jews of Chernigov, the Mitteler Rebbe’s community, prayed for many miracles this Lag B’omer. Perhaps the greatest one that occurred was the shot in the arm, the boost of energy, inspiration and unity received. 

Despite Political Unrest, Judaism in Chernigov is Growing Faster than Ever

The political situation in Ukraine is precarious, at best. Each day brings news of more unrest, more demonstrations, more uncertainty. We in Chernigov, thank G-d, are safe and sound. As we pray for peace and calm, we find that, against this backdrop, the Jews of Chernigov are coming together more than even before.

This past Shabbat was a local holiday weekend, and the weather was beautiful. The streets and parks were packed with people enjoying the day. The synagogue, too, was packed to capacity. Many new people are coming to synagogue, anxious for some guidance and spirituality.

Food Packages Provide Critical Aid

The local currency is dropping, and prices are rising. In a place where people struggle regularly to put a simple meal on the table, the struggle just became much more difficult. Food packages were distributed to families, providing them with much needed staples.

Pesach in Chernigov a Giant Success

This Pesach, the Jewish Community of Chernigov, Ukraine learned that freedom in possible under the most challenging conditions. Chernigov’s Jews really left their comfort zone and gathered in the newly renovated Restaurant Okeanya, located in Chernigov’s central square. At a time of real fear in the streets of Ukraine, the Jewish community nevertheless came out for the largest Pesach seder ever. Two public seders were held, with over a 150 in attendance. Many attendees experienced a seder for the first time in their lives.

Sasha, a middles aged businessman until recently refused to even hear about attending Jewish events, saying that he did not consider himself Jewish.

This year, Rabbi Silberstein relates, he was shocked to receive a phone call from Sasha “Rabbi, how can I be a part of the seder this year?” he wanted to know.

Children Thrilled to Learn about Pesach

40 children gathered to learn about Pesach. The children loved to games, crafts, and learned what a seder is all about. . One child promised that she will be coming back tomorrow, and each day after that!

Gearing Up for Pesach