Another gathering of participants took place at the “DJCY-STL-STARS Dnipro” youth project of the Dnipro Jewish Community, implemented with the support of STL. The session was dedicated to the theme of self-esteem, inner self-perception, the ability to properly relate to one’s own qualities, and the awareness of every person’s unique purpose.
The central part of the program was a profound and meaningful lesson conducted by Reb David Maltsev. During the gathering, the participants discussed an important and relevant topic for modern youth – a person’s attitude toward themselves. They reflected on how self-esteem is formed and why excessive self-criticism and a low self-opinion often have nothing to do with reality.
Special attention was given to the understanding that healthy self-esteem is built not on pride or self-glorification but precisely on humility – the ability to honestly see one’s strengths, correctly perceive one’s virtues, and use them for the benefit of others. The participants also discussed the important idea that a person’s shortcomings do not define their inner essence, while good qualities and positive aspects of a personality, on the contrary, help reveal who a person truly is.
The participants also spoke about how every Jewish soul has its own unique purpose in this world, and a person’s task is to learn to reveal their inner potential and use the abilities given to them by the Almighty to fulfill their mission.
The gathering took place, as always, in a warm and friendly atmosphere, accompanied by delicious and kosher refreshments. The lively discussions and deep reflections on what was heard continued even after the lesson had ended, and many young men and women drew very important and perhaps life-defining conclusions for themselves.
“It is very important to us that the gatherings at ‘DJCY-STL-STARS Dnipro’ become for young people not only an opportunity to gain new knowledge but also a space for inner growth, self-reflection, and the revelation of their own potential,” says project director Chaya Maltseva. “It is precisely through such lessons and shared discussions that young people learn to better understand themselves, appreciate their strengths, and feel their important role within the united and cohesive Dnipro Jewish Community under the leadership of Chief Rabbi Shmuel Kaminezki.”
