“One who has not seen the rejoicing of the Water-Drawing Ceremony has never seen true joy in their life” (Talmud, Tractate Sukkah). These words of the Sages perfectly capture the atmosphere of the “Simchat Beit HaSho’eva” festival – the joy of the water-drawing, which fills hearts with light and merriment during the days of Sukkot.
A bright and truly warm children’s event dedicated to this ancient tradition took place at the Central “Golden Rose” Synagogue. Simchat Beit HaSho’eva symbolizes the joy of serving the Almighty, and today the Dnipro Jewish Community is reviving it in an atmosphere of unity and love.
The event gathered dozens of children of various ages – from the very young to teenagers – who, together with their parents, celebrated Sukkot, filling the synagogue with children’s laughter and joy.
The holiday was organized by the Dnipro Jewish Community under the leadership of Chief Rabbi Shmuel Kaminezki, with implementation handled by Rabbi David Vaskovsky and the active help of students from the “Beit LeBanim” boys’ boarding school of the Dnipro Jewish Community, especially Yosef-Yitzchak Zhilin, who acted as the event’s host.
Following tradition, the children recited twelve verses from the Torah – the “12 P’sukim” – which the Lubavitcher Rebbe urged all Jewish children of the world to know. Then, the children watched a video address from the Rebbe and a kind animated film dedicated to the Sukkot holiday.
Fun animators conducted exciting contests and games, and the beloved “Charlie Chaplin” mime once again became the star of the children’s program, eliciting storms of laughter and applause. Boys and girls participated in their respective programs – in the main synagogue hall and in the new women’s section respectively.
The festive sukkah was filled with the aromas of favorite children’s treats – popcorn, cotton candy, and, of course, hamburgers. All of this created an atmosphere of genuine family fun.
The culmination of the holiday was a fun lottery with prizes – toys, dolls, cars, and many other surprises. The joy was boundless as the lucky winners received their gifts.
The event concluded with collective dancing – first, the children danced in circles, and then the parents joined them. The joy and unity filling the hall became a true reflection of the spirit of Sukkot – a holiday of light, gratitude, and rejoicing before the Almighty.
