Following the large-scale Lag BaOmer parade we reported on earlier, a major celebratory event took place in Dnipro, organized by the city’s Jewish Community on the grounds of the world’s largest Jewish center, “Menorah.” This day became a true festival of joy, bringing together children and adults, offering bright emotions, lively interaction, and an atmosphere of genuine unity.
The entire space of the center was filled with diverse activities. In the courtyard of Menorah, next to the JMC, guests were greeted with dynamic entertainment: archery – a symbolic reminder of Lag BaOmer traditions – a bike battle, and refreshments that created a light and festive atmosphere from the very first moments.
In the Menorah Gallery, guests encountered both entertaining and spiritually enriching stations. Here, one could try their hand at table football, play air hockey or on a balance board, get a face painting, enjoy cotton candy, as well as connect with tradition – perform the mitzvah of tefillin, learn about lighting Shabbos candles, and purchase a letter in the Torah. STL and American University Kyiv presented their programs, adding an educational and contemporary accent to the overall concept of the celebration.
An active amusement zone was set up in the JMC parking lot, where children happily spent time on large and small trampolines and also participated in the popular “Gladiators” attraction. Here, guests were also treated to cotton candy, maintaining an atmosphere of carefree fun.
The center’s small terrace was transformed into a space for active games and team entertainment: giant bowling, a “cone battle,” large LEGO cubes, popcorn, and cotton candy created a lively and vibrant children’s zone where everyone could find an activity to their liking.
On the large terrace, guests enjoyed a cozy photo zone, as well as a buffet with various treats and drinks, which became an important part of the overall festive mood and an opportunity to spend time with friends and family.
The culmination of the celebration was the traditional lottery, held in the Menorah courtyard, which drew a large number of participants. Among the coveted prizes were an electric scooter, a Segway, smartwatches, smart glasses, e-books, headphones, and tablets. The drawing was accompanied by genuine emotion, joy, and applause from those upon whom fortune smiled.
But what made the atmosphere truly special was that on this day, literally everyone received gifts. Even those who did not win the main prizes were not left out – every young participant went home with a gift, feeling part of one large, caring family.
Such a celebration was made possible through the support of JRNU and the Weber family, as well as the coordinated efforts of many people – community staff, educators, volunteers, and the team of the Menorah Center. Each contributed to creating an atmosphere of true Ahavas Yisrael. Thanks to their thoughtful and careful organization at every level, the celebration took place in a warm atmosphere of love for one’s fellow, where everyone was able to feel part of the united and cohesive Jewish community under the leadership of its Chief Rabbi, Shmuel Kaminezki.
