The “Menorah Community” youth project of the Jewish Community of Dnipro, which has been actively developing thanks to the efforts of the Zislina family, recently held another women’s class dedicated to one of the most intriguing topics in the Torah—the laws of levirate marriage and chalitzah, as well as the spiritual meaning of the 15th of Av.
The speaker for the gathering was the Deputy Secretary of the Dnipro Rabbinical Court, Rabbi Avraham Yosef Yitzchak Karshenbaum, who invited the participants to explore together the mitzvos that may at first glance seem unusual, yet reveal the profound foundations of the Jewish understanding of family, responsibility, and respect for human dignity.
During the first part of the lesson, the participants discussed in detail what levirate marriage entails, in which cases the Torah prescribes this mitzvah, and what significance the chalitzah ceremony holds. The participants saw that behind these ancient laws stand not only historical circumstances but also eternal values related to caring for others, preserving family continuity, and respecting the individual.
The second part of the gathering was dedicated to the 15th of Av—one of the most joyful days on the Jewish calendar. The participants spoke about why this day became a symbol of hope, unity, love, and new beginnings, as well as how its themes help offer a fresh perspective on family, interpersonal relationships, and one’s life purpose.
“It was very important for the girls to see that even those mitzvos of the Torah whose meaning may not be immediately obvious to the modern person reveal deep moral principles that remain relevant today,” said Esti Zislina, co-director of the project. “Such gatherings help uncover the depth of Jewish tradition and see how its timeless values become the foundation of our daily lives, strengthening and developing our beloved united and cohesive Jewish Community of Dnipro under the leadership of Chief Rabbi Shmuel Kaminezki.”
