At Machon “Chaya-Mushka,” the leading educational institution for girls of the Dnipro Jewish Community, a special and deeply moving day was held in honor of 22 Shevat—the yahrzeit of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson, wife of the Seventh Lubavitcher Rebbe, Menachem Mendel Schneerson. The students of Machon did not merely remember the righteous Rebbetzin; they sought to gain a deeper understanding of her character, her modesty, her inner strength, and the quiet yet immense influence she continues to have on Jewish women worldwide.
The day began with tefillah, after which the Machon students were divided into groups for a special interactive program. In the classrooms, statements related to Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka were displayed, and each girl received a paperclip to mark the phrase that resonated most deeply with her heart. This was followed by lively discussions, during which the students explained why a particular statement felt personally meaningful to them and how it connected to their own choices and life paths.
As part of the spiritual program, the girls studied Mishnayos for the elevation of the Rebbetzin’s soul according to the letters of her name, watched videos of the Rebbe, and participated in themed games related to stories from the Rebbetzin’s life. Through these examples, they sought to better understand her approach to others, her modesty, and her profound sense of inner responsibility.
A highlight of the day was the festive banquet, organized in a format reminiscent of the events at the global Kinus HaShluchos, which is taking place these days in New York in honor of 22 Shevat. The girls were greeted with beautifully set tables, refreshments, and a rich program. A video featuring Machon alumnae currently serving on shlichus in various corners of the world, sharing their personal stories and speaking about their mission, was met with great enthusiasm.
The students welcomed with particular warmth the guest of honor, Machon alumna Leah Lazareva, who is today herself one of the Rebbe’s shluchos. She spoke about her journey as a shlicha, the people she has encountered along the way, and how each encounter ignited a new spark in her soul—a spark that over time grew into a genuine desire to dedicate her life to shlichus.
During the banquet, a traditional roll call took place, where participants responded and waved flags when categories applied to them, as is customary at international gatherings of shluchos. The evening concluded with an inspired rendition of Chassidic niggunim by Roza Nachshon and Rivka Stambler, after which the girls could no longer remain seated, and the night ended with joyful dancing.
“For our students, 22 Shevat became a day of deep personal reflection and connection to the example of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka—her modesty, her strength, and her devotion to her mission,” said Machon director Raizel Milman. “We see how such days shape the inner world of our girls and help them build their own paths. We are sincerely grateful to the united and cohesive Dnipro Jewish Community under the leadership of Chief Rabbi Shmuel Kaminezki and to our dear Rebbetzin Chana Kaminezki for their constant care and support of our Machon in all our endeavors.”
