Another women’s class took place at the “Menorah Community” youth project of the Dnipro Jewish Community, which is actively developing through the efforts of the Zislin family. This session was dedicated to the approaching holiday of Shavuot, its profound meaning, and the special role of women in preserving and transmitting Jewish tradition.
A special guest at the gathering was Rebbetzin Shoshana Weber. Introducing her to the participants, project co-director Esti Zislin emphasized that Rebbetzin Shoshana Weber has for many years been helping women become acquainted with the world of Torah, Chassidus, and Jewish traditions. She also has the ability to speak about deep matters warmly and accessibly, helping to feel that the Torah is not something distant but a part of everyday life, manifesting in our decisions, the atmosphere of the home, in relationships between people, in family life, and in the most diverse moments of each day.
The main part of the lesson was dedicated to the holiday of Shavuot, the time of the Giving of the Torah to the Jewish people. During the gathering, Rebbetzin Shoshana Weber spoke about the profound meanings of this holiday and also paid special attention to the Book of Ruth, which is traditionally read on Shavuot. The participants discussed how the story of one woman reveals the power of choice, loyalty, and true connection to the Almighty, as well as what important spiritual lessons can be seen in this story even today.
An important part of the gathering was the fulfillment of the mitzvah of hafrashas challah – the separation of challah. Together, the participants separated and braided challah according to a special method of Rebbetzin Shoshana Weber, transforming a familiar action into a special moment of spirituality, prayer, and women’s unity.
Also during the gathering, the participants wished a happy birthday to two girls of the project, adding an additional atmosphere of joy and warmth to the evening.
“It was especially important for the girls to understand more deeply the meaning of the Shavuot holiday and to see how the story of Ruth and the participation of women in preserving and transmitting Jewish tradition continue to remain relevant even today,” said Esti Zislin, co-director of the project. “Such gatherings help to see the diversity of paths for revealing the Torah in the life of every person, and we are deeply grateful for the opportunity to develop the ‘Menorah Community’ project, which our united and cohesive Dnipro Jewish Community under the leadership of Chief Rabbi Shmuel Kaminezki affords us.”
