At the “Beit Baruch” Home for the Elderly, a unique social institution of the Dnipro Jewish Community, preparations are underway for a major creative production called “The Book of Life.” The residents are preparing this performance for a visit from students of the Levi Yitzchak Schneerson Jewish Lyceum No. 144. The upcoming play will be not only a theatrical production but also a kind of educational lesson dedicated to the holiday of Shavuot, its traditions, and its spiritual meaning.
The production is being created by the “Beit Baruch” creative studio under the direction of Rivka Lazareva. It tells the story of the Giving of the Torah, the significance of the Shavuot holiday, and the important values of Jewish tradition. During the performance, the audience will learn about the traditions of the holiday and will also see a stage story about three mountains arguing among themselves over which one will become the site of the Giving of the Torah. Through this narrative, one of the important ideas of Jewish tradition, connected with humility and spiritual values, is revealed.
The program also includes poetic texts dedicated to the theme of the Giving of the Torah and how the Jewish people, unlike many other nations, expressed their agreement to receive the Torah and observe all its commandments. The script of the play is entirely prepared in Ukrainian, which gives the program a special coherence and makes it even more expressive, while many of the musical numbers will be performed not only in Ukrainian but also in Loshon Kodesh.
A final rehearsal before the performance, which will be presented on the eve of Shavuot, recently took place. The participants are continuing their preparations with great inspiration and are eagerly awaiting the meeting with the lyceum students.
“Preparing such performances becomes an important part of life for our residents, as it is an opportunity to showcase their abilities, learn new things, and create something meaningful together,” said Malvina Ruvinska, Director of the “Beit Baruch” Home for the Elderly. “We are glad to have the opportunity to implement such integration projects with our Jewish lyceum within the framework of the united and cohesive Dnipro Jewish Community under the leadership of Chief Rabbi Shmuel Kaminezki.”
