The youth project of the Jewish Community of Dnipro, “DJCY-STL-STARS Dnipro,” supported by STL, hosted a special Shabbaton dedicated to preparing for the holiday of Shavuot. Student participants from similar programs in Kyiv, Odesa, Vinnytsia, and Kremenchuk joined their peers in Dnipro for an inspiring weekend.
The educational sessions were led by the teaching couple of “DJCY-STL-STARS Dnipro,” Yom Tov and Tzipora Shufotinsky. “The lessons were fantastic – meaningful, fun, and truly helpful,” shared student Adina Seldina. “We also had beautiful Shabbat meals and an uplifting atmosphere of joy. We are deeply grateful to the Segal, Weber, and Neuman families for graciously hosting us in their homes.”
One of the highlights was an exciting activity modeled after the “Bachelor Show,” themed around the idea that G-d entered into a covenant with the Jewish people, and the Torah – whose giving we commemorate on Shavuot – is like a ketubah, a marriage contract. Participants were also moved by a tour of places connected to the lives of the Rebbe of our generation, the Seventh Lubavitcher Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson, and his father, the righteous Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson.
The Shabbaton’s peak was a memorable meeting with the Chief Rabbi of Dnipro and the region, Rabbi Shmuel Kaminezki. “We will never forget that moment,” Adina continues. “Rabbi Shmuel gave each of us a chocolate bar, shared profound words of wisdom, and inspired us with an incredible boost of spiritual energy.”
The weekend concluded with a joyful kayaking trip along the Dnipro River and a heartfelt BBQ dinner, where students expressed their hope to gather again soon for another Shabbaton in Dnipro.
