A special and truly uplifting celebration took place in the Dnipro Jewish Community – the Bas Mitzvah of Yoheved Segal, daughter of Rabbi Shlomo Segal and his wife, Rebbetzin Chana. This day was not only a family joy but a major event for the entire kehillah, filled with light, meaning, and Chassidic inspiration.
A Bas Mitzvah – a “daughter of the commandment” – is the moment when, at the age of 12, a girl enters a new stage in life, taking personal responsibility for the observance of mitzvos. It is not merely a date on the calendar, but the beginning of an inner journey, the awakening of the soul and its conscious connection to Hashem.
Yoheved’s celebration was held under the symbolic title “Chassidus – The Glasses of Life.” For it is Chassidus that teaches us to look at the world more deeply: to see not only the external but the internal; not coincidence, but Divine Providence; not darkness, but concealed light.
A particularly special and moving moment was the reading of a letter from the leader of our generation, the Seventh Lubavitcher Rebbe, Menachem Mendel Schneerson, performed by Rebbetzin Chana Kaminezki. All those present were able not only to hear the Rebbe’s words but also to see the original letter, which Rebbetzin Chana had received from the Lubavitcher Rebbe on the day of her own Bas Mitzvah. The translation of this letter for the guests was read by Mrs. Leah Briez – and these words resonated as profoundly relevant today as ever.
Yoheved gave tzedakah, recited her new, thirteenth perek of Tehillim, and in doing so, took her first independent steps as a “daughter of the commandment.” Her father, Rabbi Shlomo Segal, addressed his daughter with heartfelt words of bracha. In his speech, he shared family history, spoke of Yoheved’s spiritual connection to the Alter Rebbe, and explained why specifically the book Tanya became the central theme of the day.
Tanya, the foundational text of Chassidic philosophy, teaches that an inner struggle takes place within every person, yet it is precisely this struggle that opens the path to growth. It teaches how to live with the soul, how to choose in favor of light, and how to transform the mundane into the holy. These very concepts formed the spiritual axis of the celebration and the wish for Yoheved – to grow for Torah, for Chuppah, and for good deeds, bringing joy to Hashem.
The program of the simcha masterfully combined joy and learning: an interactive and educational game was held where participants had to fill in the blanks in wise quotes from the Tanya, discovering the depth of Chassidic thought in a light and lively format.
Warm wishes were conveyed by honored guests, teachers, relatives, and, of course, her mother, Rebbetzin Chana. The celebration featured elegantly set tables, a fun creative workshop also connected to the theme of spreading light, and joyous dancing. Throughout the day, the sincere exclamation “Mazel Tov!” – wishing health, joy, beauty, happiness, and spiritual growth – resounded continuously in the hall.
Our website joins with great joy in all the congratulations and also wishes Yoheved Segal many “Mazel Tovs!” May she proceed along the path of Torah, reach the Chuppah, and fill her life with good deeds.
Mazl Tov!
