The main event of the Yud Shvat 5786 celebration in the Dnipro Jewish Community was a grand Chassidic farbrengen, held in the “Ballroom” event hall of the world’s largest Jewish center, “Menorah.” It was dedicated to the 76th yahrtzeit of the passing of the Previous Head of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, Rebbe Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, and the 75th anniversary of the moment when his son-in-law, Menachem Mendel Schneerson, assumed the leadership of the Jewish people and the title of the Lubavitcher Rebbe.
The evening began with a short video about the significance of Yud Shvat and its profound meaning for the entire Jewish people and all humanity. Then, the event’s moderator, Rabbi Dan Makogon, spoke about the purpose and goals of this farbrengen, its format, and its importance for every participant. Two armchairs were set up on stage, and moderator Rabbi Makogon invited guests to discuss, in the format of a conversation – relaxed and sincere – the most important themes of the holiday, its deep spiritual meanings, and the tasks facing our generation and each one of us.
The first guest was the Chief Rabbi of Dnipro and the region, Rabbi Shmuel Kaminezki, who came to our city in 1990 on a direct mission from the Rebbe to lead the revival of Jewish life. He shared how this happened, the tasks the Rebbe set before him, and his personal experience as an emissary and in service.
The Chairman of the Board of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine, Rabbi Meir Zvi Stambler, spoke about the maamar “Basi LeGani” and the specific part related to this year. A respected member of the Dnipro Jewish Community and one of the leaders of the Jewish revival, Natan Zolotarevsky, answered questions related to the topic of Moshiach’s coming, what modern people should know about Moshiach, and what our actions should be to bring Moshiach.
An important aspect of Yud Shvat is spreading the light of Torah and Chassidus not only for Jews but for all people. This was discussed by the head of “Bnei Noach” programs, David Dukhovny, who noted that the “Bnei Noach” movement is especially relevant in the modern world. He explained how it corresponds to the tasks the Rebbe set before Jews and humanity, and what is happening in Dnipro in fulfilling this mission of the Rebbe.
Summarizing the farbrengen, Rabbi Dan Makogon read a pan (petitionary note) on behalf of all participants, which will be delivered to New York to the Ohel of the leader of our generation, the Seventh Lubavitcher Rebbe, Menachem Mendel Schneerson.
“This was a very vibrant, inspiring event that highlighted the unity and cohesion of our community, its readiness to continue and strengthen its sacred work entrusted to us by the Lubavitcher Rebbe,” noted Rabbi Reuven Kaminezki. “I wish to express, on behalf of the community, deep gratitude to everyone who participated in its preparation, especially to Rabbi Dan Makogon, Mrs. Rada Romantsova, as well as to the management and all staff of the ‘Menorah’ center.”
