Mesibat Siddur at the Chaya-Mushka Machon
At the Chaya-Mushka Machon, the leading educational institution for girls in the Dnipro Jewish Community, the first-grade girls celebrated one of the most touching and important holidays for every Jewish student: Mesibat Siddur. This special day marks the completion of the study of the Hebrew alphabet, including all the letters and vowels (nikudot).
The main theme of the holiday was gratitude to the Almighty – “Mizmor le-Todah,” a quality that is important to cultivate from childhood and holds a special place in Jewish tradition and prayer. The girls shared what they thank the Almighty for every day – for life itself, for the Rebbe, for having such wonderful parents, for having beloved friends and mentors nearby, for having the good fortune to study at a wonderful Machon and be part of the renowned Jewish Community of Dnipro.
A special highlight of the program was the ceremonial presentation of personal Siddur. For the first-graders, this moment marked a true milestone, as each now possessed a personal prayer book through which they could build a personal connection with the Almighty. The festive atmosphere, the children’s performances, and the creative elements they prepared made the day truly memorable for both the students and the guests.
“This holiday—Mesibat Siddur—is an important part of Jewish education, as it symbolizes not only the completion of one of the most important stages of learning, but also the beginning of a conscious recitation of each prayer. Through learning letters, reciting their first prayers, and understanding the meaning of gratitude, girls take their first independent steps into the rich spiritual heritage of the Jewish people,” noted Machon teacher Rebbetzin Dvora Neuman. “It was especially important to talk with the children about gratitude, as the ability to express gratitude helps us notice the blessings that the Almighty bestows upon us every day, and this gives us strength in our studies, work, and the fulfillment of the crucial mission entrusted to us by the united and cohesive Jewish Community of Dnipro, under the leadership of Chief Rabbi Shmuel Kaminezky.”
