Special prayers were held in the Golden Rose Central Synagogue and other synagogues of the Jewish Community of Dnipro in connection with the fast and day of mourning – 9 Av. This day commemorates the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem, along with other tragedies that befell the Jewish people on this date throughout history.
On this day, the synagogue observes the customs of mourning: people do not greet each other, they sit on the floor or low stools, and even refrain from studying Torah – since it brings joy. Only sections relating to sorrowful events may be studied. The prayers of 9 Av begin with the reading of the Book of Eicha (Lamentations). As a sign of mourning, the decorative curtain (parochet) is also removed from the Ark (Aron Kodesh).
The Jews of Dnipro grieved on this day together with Jews around the world – behaving as if they had lost a close relative. Yet at the same time, they are filled with hope that this 9 Av will be the last observed as a day of mourning, and that next year it will be transformed into a day of celebration, marked in the rebuilt Temple, in its original place in Jerusalem.
We extend our sincere thanks to Yitzchak Maltsev and Rabbis David Vayskovsky and Reuven Milman for the photos.
