A joint festive gathering of representatives of Jewish youth and cultural organizations, dedicated to Sukkot, took place in Dnipro. The event brought together about 60 participants and became yet another opportunity for the young Jews of the city to meet, socialize, and celebrate the holiday together.
The gathering was jointly organized by the Israeli Cultural Center “Nativ” in Dnipro, the Hillel Jewish Student Cultural Center, the “Sokhnut-Ukraine” Branch, and the Jewish community “Moishe House Dnipro.” Alona Kolpina, director of the Hillel Jewish Student Cultural Center in Dnipro, shares how the evening went.
“Sukkot is about the joy of being together. About a time when the familiar space changes into a festive sukkah, and people gather around one table, talk, sing, recall traditions, and simply spend time together. This year in Dnipro, we felt this joy to the fullest.
The festive gathering was jointly organized by the Israeli Cultural Center ‘Nativ’ in Dnipro, the Hillel Jewish Student Cultural Center, the ‘Sokhnut-Ukraine’ Branch, and the Jewish community ‘Moishe House Dnipro.’ About 60 participants gathered in the festive sukkah to celebrate Sukkot together, learn more about the holiday’s traditions, and spend the evening in the warm atmosphere of the Jewish community.
One of the important parts of the evening was the fulfillment of the mitzvah of the four species – arbaa minim. We recalled the meaning of each of them and talked about why it is precisely these plants that became an integral part of the celebration of Sukkot. The program continued with a lecture by Avraham Yosef Yitzchak Karshenbaum. It became yet another opportunity to look at familiar traditions from a different angle, to ask questions, and to learn more about Sukkot and its place in Jewish tradition.
And then an intellectual challenge awaited the participants – the game ‘What? Where? When?’ Teams tested their knowledge, discussed versions, argued over correct answers, and rejoiced at every question they guessed. The competition was friendly, but the excitement was quite real.
Of course, the celebration was not without songs, laughter, and a great many conversations. Some met old friends, some became acquainted with new people, and some simply enjoyed the opportunity to set aside everyday matters for a few hours and be among their own. And, perhaps, it is precisely in such moments that one best feels what a community is. Not only shared traditions and holidays, but the people who create the atmosphere around them.
We thank everyone who shared with us this joy of Sukkot, joined the celebration, and made this evening so warm and alive. All the organizers express their gratitude to the Jewish Community of Dnipro for its support and for the opportunity to create such gatherings together, to develop the city’s Jewish life, and to fill it with new events, traditions, and shared moments.”
