In honor of Rosh Chodesh Kislev, an event was held for mothers and daughters participating in the children’s program “DJCY – STL kids – JFuture,” implemented by the Dnipro Jewish Community with the support of STL and JFuture (a project of the JRNU Foundation), as well as the teen program “DJCY – STL Teens – EnerJew,” implemented by the Dnipro Jewish Community with the support of STL and the JRNU Foundation’s EnerJew project.
The main theme of this gathering was the various aspects of the concept of “light,” which is strongly associated with the memorable dates and holidays of the month of Kislev. First, each participant chose which source of light she identified with to share that light with everyone present. This was followed by a discussion about the most important dates of the month of Kislev, starting from Rosh Chodesh—the day of the Rebbe’s miraculous recovery—to the middle of the month, which marks the anniversary of the Rebbe and Rebbetzin’s wedding (Chuppah), then the “New Year of Chassidut” (Yud-Tet Kislev), and finally, the celebration of Chanukah that concludes the month.
Afterwards, the participants divided into five teams. Each team prepared a collage reflecting their assigned theme and presented it. An exciting master class on decorating mirror-finish candle holders for Shabbat candles followed, where each participant created her own unique design, as the mirror would help spread the candlelight throughout the home. The meeting concluded with a fun lottery. Since the theme was dedicated to sources of light, the prizes were also thematic, including fairy lights, beautiful lamps, candle holders, and much more.
“The evening turned out to be very heartfelt, warm, and atmospheric,” said Beila Letichevska, coordinator of “DJCY – STL Teens – EnerJew.” “About thirty participants joined us, and we were very happy to welcome Rosh Chodesh in such pleasant company. This was the first event in this format, and we hope that, thanks to the Dnipro Jewish Community and its Chief Rabbi, Shmuel Kaminezki, such gatherings will become a tradition.”
