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. The session was dedicated to the weekly portion of Shelach, questions of faith and spiritual choice, as well as the special significance of one of the most important women’s mitzvos – hafrashas challah (the separation of challah dough).
A special guest at the gathering was Rebbetzin Daniella Lessoff, a shlucha of the Lubavitcher Rebbe in Richmond, Virginia (USA). Introducing the guest to the participants, project co-director Esti Zislin noted the importance of learning about the experience of Jewish communities in different countries around the world and the opportunity to hear from a person who has dedicated her life to shlichus and the development of Jewish life.
At the beginning of the gathering, Rebbetzin Daniella Lessoff spoke about herself, her family, and the activities of Beit Chabad in Richmond. The participants learned about how the family of shluchim creates a warm and welcoming Jewish home, conducts lessons, programs, and events, helping an increasing number of people strengthen their connection to their roots, tradition, and Jewish life.
The conversation then turned to the weekly portion of Shelach, which tells the story of the spies, faith, doubt, and a person’s ability to see blessing even in circumstances that may at first seem difficult or troubling. The participants discussed how these ideas remain relevant today, helping a person maintain trust in the Almighty and a proper perspective on events.
Special attention was given to the mitzvah of hafrashas challah, which is revealed in this weekly portion. Rebbetzin Daniella Lessoff spoke about the significance of this important women’s mitzvah and how, through the separation of challah, a woman brings light, blessing, prayer, and a special connection with the Almighty into her home, influencing the spiritual atmosphere of the entire family.
“It was very important for the girls not only to learn about the experience of shlichus in another country but also to gain a deeper understanding of the connection between the weekly portion of Shelach and such an important women’s mitzvah as hafrashas challah,” says Esti Zislin, co-director of the project. “Such gatherings help us see how faith, Jewish traditions, and the spiritual strength of a woman manifest in daily life. 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.”
