The theme of the month of Iyar in the “GPS of the Soul” (“GPS Soul”) project, implemented on the initiative of the Judaic Studies Department at the Levi Yitzchak Schneerson Jewish Lyceum No. 144, the leading educational institution of the Dnipro Jewish Community, is the concept of “Derech Eretz” – humanity, attentive care for others, and the practice of good deeds in daily life.
As part of the monthly theme, special initiatives are taking place at the lyceum aimed at ensuring that students not only understand the meaning of humanity but also embody it in concrete actions, forming a lasting inner habit of kindness, attention, and responsibility for the world around them.
One of the central initiatives is the “Tree of Good Deeds,” in which students from all grades participate. Over the course of several weeks, the lyceum students record their good deeds – those they try to perform more often than usual, or those they previously hesitated to do. Each such act appears on a symbolic tree in the form of a note, gradually filling it with new “leaves” and creating a visual space of growing good deeds and awareness.
Another important part of the program is the “Box of Warm Words” initiative, in which a special mailbox has been installed at the lyceum where students, teachers, and staff can leave letters with sincere, supportive, and kind words for one another. Within the first three days of operation, about one hundred such messages were received, and interest in this practice continues to grow, fostering an atmosphere of respect, attention, and inner warmth in the school environment.
Of special significance in this work is the reflection on the Jewish wisdom: “What comes from the heart enters the heart.” This becomes a practical guiding principle for program participants, helping them learn to speak kind words, support one another, and understand the power of simple yet sincere acts.
“We see how through such initiatives, students begin to perceive everyday situations differently, pay attention to those around them, and consciously choose good deeds,” notes Aliza Rabinovich, Deputy Director of the Jewish Lyceum and Head of the Judaic Studies Department. “It is not a one-time activity that is being formed, but an inner culture of behavior based on respect, responsibility, and the desire to make the world a better place. And this allows us to say that the values embedded in the ‘GPS of the Soul’ project are truly becoming part of the lives of our students and the entire school environment – as united and cohesive as the Dnipro Jewish Community under the leadership of its Chief Rabbi, Shmuel Kaminezki.”
