The “Bar/Bat Mitzvah Upgrade” program, organized by Enerjew with the support of JRNU (Jewish Relief Network Ukraine), concluded with a large final seminar held in one of the western regions of Ukraine.
Over 70 teenagers from across the country took part. In addition to Dnipro, participants came from Jewish communities in Kyiv, Uzhhorod, Kremenchuk, Kropyvnytskyi, Vinnytsia, Cherkasy, Lviv, Kamianske, Zhytomyr, Shepetivka, and more.
Dnipro played an active role, not only through its participants but also as one of the organizational centers: Rabbi Moishe Leib and Rebbetzin Shoshanna Weber served as rabbinical leaders of the Shabbaton, and Shlichim Chinuch were represented by two Dnipro families — Shlomo & Miriam Tereshkevich and Yossi & Chaya Nachshon. Beila Letychevska and Aryeh Ivakhnenko served as madrichim from Dnipro.
To earn a spot at the Shabbaton and receive prizes, teens had to attend classes regularly and complete themed assignments over three months. In Dnipro, seven teens began the program, but only four made it to the final stage. Of them, two traveled to the Shabbaton, while two others received their awards in person from Chief Rabbi of Dnipro and the region, Rabbi Shmuel Kaminezki.
“Although Sarah Susorova, Alexandra Kazaryan, and Tzvi Hirsh Urikh didn’t reach the final, we warmly congratulate them as well — they accomplished a lot and became part of our big family,” said Beila Letychevska, the program coordinator in Dnipro. “We say ‘Mazal Tov!’ and wish them a bright, meaningful, and productive Jewish future.”
At the Shabbaton, participants were honored with a heartfelt award ceremony. Dima Yakushin, like all the boys, received tefillin, a siddur, and a charity box (tzedakah). Esther Oleynik, like the girls, received a silver candlestick, a siddur, and tzedakah, along with warm blessings and guidance.
Beyond the formal part, the Shabbaton offered many engaging activities: games, challenges, quizzes, intellectual and creative tasks. The emotional highlight was the welcoming of the Shabbat Queen and a festive Shabbat meal in the united and inspiring Enerjew circle.
A special highlight of this Shabbaton was a hike through the picturesque Carpathian Mountains, which gave participants unforgettable memories.
“Everyone left with a wealth of positive emotions and valuable experiences,” concludes Beila Letychevska. “We’re deeply grateful to Enerjew and JRNU for the stellar organization and to our beloved Jewish Community of Dnipro for making it possible to be part of this shining journey of spreading the light of Chassidism.”
