Following the large Lag BaOmer parade, which we’ve already covered earlier, a grand event took place in Dnipro, organized by the city’s Jewish Community on the grounds of the Menorah Center. The celebration brought genuine joy, uplifting emotions, and warm impressions not only to the children—who were the main focus of the program—but also to adult members of the community, who joined in with equal enthusiasm.
All the key locations of the celebration were set up within the world’s largest Jewish center, “Menorah.” Starting from the spacious parking area, guests were immersed in an atmosphere of movement and joy: large inflatable attractions were in full swing, including a classic slide long beloved by children, and an improvised racetrack where young riders happily competed on inflatable horses. This zone also featured an area dedicated to a timeless Lag BaOmer tradition—archery, which is not just entertainment but a symbolic remembrance of times when Jews disguised forbidden Torah study as permitted sports activities to avoid persecution.
Inside the Menorah Gallery, guests discovered stations that were not only entertaining but also educational and spiritual in nature. Visitors could stop by the Tefillin station, learn about lighting Shabbat candles, sign up for summer camp, explore various educational programs, and view an art exhibit. Lighthearted fun abounded as well: air hockey, virtual reality, face painting, exciting quizzes with great prizes—all of this contributed to a festive atmosphere, enhanced by an unusual attraction—a special transparent box where participants tried to catch flying game “dollars” to exchange for tasty treats.
Celebrations continued on the Menorah Center’s small terrace, where guests could try their hand at air soccer—a game where the ball moves using the players’ breath—play traditional soccer, or test their aim in a ring toss variation.
No less attention was paid to the culinary side of the event: at every location, children could enjoy cotton candy and popcorn, but the true heart of the feast was the large food court on Menorah’s main terrace. There, everyone could find something to suit their taste—from pizza, falafel, hummus, and lula kebabs to fresh and roasted vegetables, olives, a variety of salads, sauces, desserts, and other delicacies that made the festive joy even richer.
After enjoying the activities, treats, and commemorative photo zone, guests eagerly awaited the main highlight of the celebration—the Lag BaOmer raffle, designed to be the symbolic and emotional culmination of the day.
This long-anticipated event took place in the courtyard of the Menorah Center and sparked a wave of genuine excitement and joy, as truly wonderful prizes were up for grabs: modern gadgets and accessories, Judaica items, and a wide selection of board games, especially popular among children and teens. The raffle, filled with laughter, cheers, and heartwarming emotions, became a fitting and inspiring conclusion to the grand celebration, lovingly organized by the Dnipro Jewish Community with care and deep appreciation for the significance of this special day in the Jewish calendar.
This magnificent celebration was organized by the city’s Jewish community with the support of the JRNU (Jewish Relief Network Ukraine), the Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine, and especially the Chairman of the Federation’s Council, Rabbi Meir Tzvi Stambler. Sincere thanks go to all community staff, and in particular to the teachers of Levi Yitzchak Schneerson Jewish Lyceum No. 144 and personally to Aliza Rabinovich for their invaluable contribution to the planning and success of the event.
