The “Menorah Community” youth project of the Jewish Community of Dnipro, which has been actively developing thanks to the efforts of the Zislina family, held its traditional Barbecue Party, marking a vibrant conclusion to the 5786 season and a symbolic transition to the new Jewish year. This event has been held for four consecutive years, symbolizing the continuity of the Jewish cycle of life – the completion of one stage that becomes the beginning of another, just as the annual Torah reading cycle ends on Simchas Torah and immediately begins anew.
This time, participants gathered on the open terrace of the eighth floor of the Menorah Center to jointly reflect on the passing season, connect in a warm and friendly atmosphere, and prepare for the approaching holidays of the month of Tishrei. The main theme of the gathering was the approaching new Jewish year and preparation for its most significant events. Participants spoke about the holidays of Tishrei, their sequence and spiritual significance, discussed upcoming events of the Jewish Community of Dnipro and “Menorah Community,” and shared plans for the new season that begins with Rosh Hashanah.
A special place in the program was given to the sounding of the shofar, performed by Rabbi Reuven Milman of the Central “Golden Rose” Synagogue. The shofar’s sounds reminded those present of the final days of the month of Elul – a time of spiritual awakening, self-reflection, and preparation for the new year. This moment became the meaningful culmination of the evening, blending the atmosphere of friendly connection with the deep traditions of Jewish life.
During the Barbecue Party, words of gratitude were expressed to the Jewish Community of Dnipro, Chief Rabbi Shmuel Kaminezki, community Rabbi Reuven Kaminezki, the president of “Menorah Community” and esteemed member of the Jewish Community of Dnipro, Natan Zolotarevsky, as well as to all those who support the project’s development.
A special highlight of the evening was the blessing extended to Yael and Yosef Chernykh on the establishment of their new Jewish family, with wishes to build a strong home founded on Torah and mitzvos, as well as congratulations to one of the leading educators of “Menorah Community,” Deputy Secretary of the Dnipro Rabbinical Court, Rabbi Avraham Yosef Yitzchak Karshenbaum, on his recent birthday.
“This has become a fine tradition for ‘Menorah Community’ – to hold a Barbecue Party at the end of the Jewish year. For us, it is not merely the conclusion of another season, but an opportunity to take stock together, thank everyone who has been with us, and prepare for the special period of the month of Tishrei,” said Levi Zislina, director of the “Menorah Community” project. “We are sincerely grateful to our beloved united and cohesive Jewish Community of Dnipro under the leadership of Chief Rabbi Shmuel Kaminezki, whose support enables our community to continue growing, helping young Jews become closer to their roots, to Torah, and to Jewish life.”
