One of the most remarkable model Seders conducted by Chesed Menachem, thanks to the Dnipro Jewish Community, in the week leading up to Pesach was the Seder for participants of the Yadid Club and the “Striving for Independent Living” project, implemented with the support of the international institution WJR.
For people with disabilities participating in the Yadid Club program and the “Striving for Independent Living” project, as well as for their loved ones, this gathering was exceptionally important and emotionally charged. It gave them the opportunity to feel like full-fledged members of the community, involved in the process of preparing for the holiday in an atmosphere of care, warmth, and Yiddishkeit.
The hosts of this Seder were activists from the Dnipro Volunteer Community – Mykola Kucheravyi, Yelyzaveta Chelak, Maksym Danylevskyi, and Violetta Ivanitsa. They did not merely announce the sections of the Passover meal but consciously guided the participants through the Seder, effectively acting as moderators of the process, explaining, engaging, maintaining the structure, and creating a unique atmosphere for the Passover meal of this large and friendly family.
A special atmosphere was also created by the recitation of the poignant and emotionally charged poem “Pesach,” read by its author, the renowned poetess Maryna Popova, an activist of the Yadid Club and the “Striving for Independent Living” project. This unique atmosphere was further enhanced by songs sung together, interactive elements of the program, and the traditional group photo to commemorate this bright and sincere gathering.
The participants of the Seder were also greatly impressed by the greetings from Victoria Opalenko, head of the Freilachs Club; Victoria Novosyolova, Acting Director of Chesed; and Sonia Ginzburg, the program’s art therapist.
“Such gatherings hold special significance, as they create a space of support, communication, and unity,” emphasizes Victoria Opalenko. “They not only help preserve traditions but also make them alive and accessible to everyone. It is in such moments that a sense of belonging is born, connections between generations are strengthened, and the opportunity opens up to feel oneself a part of the community.”
