Another gathering of participants in the “Bnos Melech” (“Daughters of the King”) program took place at Machon “Chaya-Mushka,” the leading educational institution for girls of the Dnipro Jewish Community. Within the framework of the program, the girls are preparing for their upcoming Bat Mitzvah. This session was dedicated to the theme of light, good deeds, and how a person can influence their surroundings by increasing goodness around them.
The central image of the session was once again a candle. The participants spoke about how a candle can light other candles without diminishing its own flame, while the light around it increases. Through this metaphor, the girls contemplated an important life idea: that a kind word, support, attention, and participation can uplift another person without taking anything away from the one who gives them. On the contrary, it fills the giver with inner joy and the feeling of having performed a good deed.
Special attention was given to understanding the hidden power of a small light. Even a small candle flame may seem modest when burning on its own, but when it begins to share its fire with others, its true power is revealed. Similarly, a person often reveals their best qualities precisely when they help others, support them, and bring them warmth.
The practical part of the session took place in an interactive team format. The girls were divided into two teams; each team received a candle, and for each correct answer, the participants lit an additional candle. The goal was to light ten candles, and in an atmosphere of joy, friendship, and mutual support, the main outcome of the session was a shared victory.
“When a girl understands that goodness never diminishes the one who shares it, but rather makes the world brighter and fills the heart with joy, she learns to be attentive to others and to see how much even one small act can change,” noted Morah Zivi Smilyanska, director of the Bnos Melech program. “It is through such important lessons that the sensitivity, responsibility, and inner beauty of our students are formed. For this, we are grateful to the Dnipro Jewish Community under the leadership of Chief Rabbi Shmuel Kaminezki.”
