At the Beit Tsindlicht Children’s Educational Center — the main preschool of the Jewish Community of Dnipro — a series of events was held in honor of the 12–13 of Tammuz, commemorating the liberation of the Sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn.
The young students of Beit Tsindlicht listened with great interest to the moving story of how the Sixth Rebbe, who steadfastly defended the rights of Jews to keep their traditions and educate their children in the spirit of Yiddishkeit during times of persecution, was arrested by the Soviet authorities and faced the threat of execution — and how a true miracle of liberation took place. This event became a double celebration for the Jewish people, as it united the birthday of the Frierdiker Rebbe with the day of his release.
The children listened niggunim, acted out scenes, and learned about the difficult moments in Jewish history, as well as about the dangers faced by those who bravely fought to preserve Jewish life and ensure that children could receive a Jewish education — just like the one their own parents have chosen for them today in Beit Tsindlicht.
“It’s extremely important for us to mark all the key dates of the Jewish calendar, so that children can understand the meaning and message behind the holidays celebrated in their families and throughout the Jewish community,” emphasizes Rebbetzin Risha Gurievich, director of Beit Tsindlicht. “We keep in our hearts the words of the Rebbe Rayatz, spoken when he recalled his liberation:
‘Not only did G‑d redeem me on the 12th of Tammuz, but also all those who cherish our holy Torah, observe its mitzvot, and even those who merely bear the name “Jew.” This day is a Day of Liberation for all who spread the knowledge of Torah among the Jewish people.’”
