The large-scale Shabbaton for the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s Shluchim in Ukraine, organized by JRNU together with the Dnipro Jewish Community, has concluded in Dnipro. Its spiritual highlight was the final Shabbos meal, Melave Malka, which brought together shluchim, their families, and guests in an atmosphere of unity, joy, and deep reflection on their mission.
The event opened with a screening of a video of the Rebbe dedicated to the theme of the month of Adar and increasing joy, setting a profound spiritual tone for the gathering. Following this, Chief Rabbi of Dnipro and the region Shmuel Kaminezki was presented with a special gift from all the shluchim in honor of his upcoming birthday. On behalf of all the emissaries, they expressed deep gratitude for his constant support, leadership, and inspiration, which provide a powerful impetus for the development of Jewish life in many communities.
In his address, Rabbi Shmuel Kaminezki spoke about the unique aspects of shlichus in Ukraine under current conditions, the responsibility borne by the shluchim, and the strength with which they continue their work despite daily challenges. He emphasized that the shluchim do not lose faith or retreat, understanding the greatness of their mission and the significance of every step in strengthening Jewish life.
A special guest of the evening was Rabbi Shlomo Neiman, director of the Jewish Relief Network Ukraine charitable organization, who pays particular attention to JRNU educational projects such as JFuture, EnerJew, JSummer, and many other initiatives supported by the organization. Rabbi Shlomo Neiman made a significant personal contribution to the success of the Shabbaton. In addition to participating in the program, he actively promoted the development of educational projects, met with children and families, and expanded opportunities for the continued growth of youth programs. His address focused on the theme of the Menorah as a symbol of spreading spiritual light, noting that each shliach is not only a source of light himself, illuminating the world around him, but also helps create new sources, multiplying light in the world.
Extremely significant was the address by Chairman of the Council of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine, Rabbi Meir TzvI Stambler, who shared a story about the Baal Shem Tov, the founder of Chassidism—a man who changed the world and opened the highest spiritual heights to the simplest of people. This story touched the hearts of all present and served as inspiration to intensify the work of spreading Torah and mitzvos among Jews in large and small cities.
An important part of the gathering was the presentation by Chief Rabbi of Khmelnytskyi, Yosef Tetelbaum, of his initiative for children of shluchim living in Western Ukraine. The project includes regular meetings, mutual visits, and weekly online communication, enabling the children of shluchim to feel each other’s support, form a social circle, and avoid feeling isolated. This initiative was a vivid demonstration of care not only for the mission but also for the families of shluchim.
The interactive program included a game of fifteen questions in which shluchim from various communities participated. The questions touched upon the lives of shluchim in Ukraine, their feelings, and priorities. Participants noted that despite objective difficulties, their activities over the past year have become more intensive and productive. Among the answers to the question of what gives them strength in shlichus, the word “family” was mentioned most frequently, emphasizing that the support of loved ones is a source of resilience and inner energy. Answers related to the anticipation of Moshiach were also heard, lending the discussion special spiritual depth.
The primary responsibility for organizing the Melave Malka meal was undertaken by the family of renowned Lubavitcher Rebbe shluchim – Rabbi Moshe Leib and Shoshanna Weber. They arranged everything with genuine feeling and deep spiritual meaning, ensuring that this conclusion of the Shabbaton Shluchim would bring great nachas to the Rebbe. The leadership of the Dnipro Jewish Community expressed profound gratitude to the Weber family for their many years of dedicated work and for the flawless organization of this evening.
“Melave Malka was not merely the concluding event, but the true culmination of the entire Shabbaton—an occasion that will remain in the memory of every participant,” said Rabbi Moshe Leib Weber. “The wonderful atmosphere of the evening, the exquisite and even luxurious meal prepared for us by the Menorah Center, the beautiful klezmer ensemble, the warm camaraderie, and the thoughtfully designed program inspired every shliach. We saw how much strength, faith, and dedication our shluchim and their families possess, and this gives us confidence that Jewish life in Ukraine will only continue to strengthen.”
