Young men and women attending the DJCY-STL-STARS Dnipro youth project of the Jewish Community of Dnipro, supported by STL, were invited to a special meeting of the Rosh Chodesh Club dedicated to the beginning of the month of Tamuz and important dates associated with this period of the Jewish calendar.
The women’s portion of the lesson was led by Rosh Chodesh Club leader Chaya Nachshon, and the boys’ lesson was organized by her husband, Stars teacher Yosef Nachshon. The main topic of each meeting was the significance of 3 Tammuz, not only as the Day of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, but also as a date associated with several important events and miracles in Jewish history. Tradition points to this day as the date of the sun’s standing still during the time of Yehoshua bin Nun, as well as the beginning of the liberation of the Sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneerson, known as the Rebbe Rayatz. Therefore, special attention was paid to understanding how miracles and changes in human life occur.
Participants discussed the idea that major changes don’t always happen instantly and obviously. They often begin with small events that may initially seem insignificant, but over time, they lead to significant transformations. The Rosh Chodesh Club meeting also discussed how even events that at first glance seem like difficulties or trials can be the beginning of great positive changes and part of the path to future Liberation.
After the lesson, the girls and their mothers were able to participate in another community program, “Mothers and Daughters.” A creative workshop, a photo quest, and pleasant gifts were prepared for them, creating a warm atmosphere of shared connection. Meanwhile, the young men continued the meeting over refreshments and discussions of the lesson’s topics, sharing their thoughts and impressions.
“Each Rosh Chodesh Club meeting helps our students not only learn about the important dates of the new Jewish month, but also see how historical events relate to their own lives and how their true meaning is revealed in the light of Hasidic teachings,” says Chaya Maltseva, head of the DJCY-STL-STARS Dnipro project. “Rosh Chodesh Club meetings have already become an important part of our program, combining informal communication with in-depth study and familiarity with Jewish tradition. It’s especially gratifying that parents are involved in this process, which further strengthens our united and cohesive Jewish community of Dnipro under the leadership of Chief Rabbi Shmuel Kaminezky.”
