The Dnipro Jewish Community held a grand women’s farbrengen at the world’s largest Jewish center, “Menorah,” in honor of the two hundred and thirteenth anniversary of the passing of the founder of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, the First Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, also known as the Alter Rebbe.
The farbrengen took place in an atmosphere of unity, love, and genuine Yiddishkeit. Sheina Smilyanska spoke about the figure of the Alter Rebbe and the story of his life. Rebbetzin Chana Kaminezki explained to those present why this day holds such a special status, discussed its significance, and described how the Dnipro Jewish Community organizes numerous events on this day, including trips to the Alter Rebbe’s ohel in the city of Hadiach and farbrengens in many of the city’s Jewish institutions. She also expressed great gratitude and recognition on behalf of the community to two activists who made a special contribution to the events of this 24th of Tevet: the esteemed Ilana Shpolyanska and Chaya Prasolova.
The culmination of the farbrengen was the personal stories shared by Chagit Manuilova and Tzipora Nachshon, as well as the lighting of the ner neshamah memorial candle, performed on behalf of the Dnipro Jewish Community by Yudit Susorova. Following this, a lottery was held, with gifts from the “Judaica” shop and the Margolin family raffled off among those present.
A special atmosphere at the farbrengen was created by the inspiring Chassidic niggunim, which all those present sang with great elevation, forming a unique Chassidic spirit.
“We don’t always even realize how much weight our actions carry, what influence they have on the surrounding world,” shared Chaya Prasolova in her story. “When we were on our way to the Menorah, the taxi driver asked me if I knew what day it was. I thought he meant the day of the week, but it turned out he meant specifically the 24th of Tevet, and he showed me a copy of the ‘Tanya’ which he always carries with him and often reads. It turned out that a year ago, he had given a ride to some young Jewish men who told him about this day, and one of them – he even remembered his surname, Neumann – gave the taxi driver the ‘Tanya’ book in honor of this day. This event turned his life around. He started reading this book, became interested in Judaism and his family’s history, discovered Jewish roots, and it turned out he was halachically Jewish. It was the small action of a Jewish child that ignited a spark in his soul, awakening in him an interest in his Judaism, and I am sure this will lead him to the community and bring him closer to Torah and mitzvahs. I am deeply grateful to Hashem for giving me the joy of participating in such wonderful events and doing something beneficial for the united and close-knit Dnipro Jewish Community under the leadership of Chief Rabbi Shmuel Kaminezki.”
