In honor of Rosh Chodesh Iyar, another gathering of the “Mothers and Daughters” project took place in the Dnipro Jewish Community, bringing together participants from the children’s program “DJCY – STL kids – JFuture” and the teen program “DJCY – STL Teens – EnerJew,” implemented by the Dnipro Jewish Community with the support of STL and projects of the JRNU foundation.
The theme of the gathering was the month of Iyar, which in Jewish tradition is associated with a special time for strengthening health, caring for one’s inner state, and harmoniously combining the physical and the spiritual. Therefore, the evening’s program was dedicated to caring for body and soul through practical activities, shared participation, and meaningful conversation.
At the beginning of the gathering, the participants were greeted by a Fresh bar, where mothers and daughters could make their own freshly squeezed juices from oranges, apples, carrots, and grapefruits, creating healthy vitamin drinks for themselves. This was followed by a sports workshop led by coach and trainer Beila Gaft. The participants, both adults and children, performed simple exercises suitable for daily life, aimed at improving posture, well-being, and relieving tension. After the active portion, a light healthy buffet was organized.
The substantive part of the gathering was dedicated to two important dates in the month of Iyar. Speaking about Lag BaOmer, the participants discussed the meaning of the mitzvah of “Ahavas Yisrael” – love for one’s fellow Jew. In a practical format, mothers and daughters together prepared small jars with notes containing ideas for good deeds and acts of kindness that could be performed throughout the week.
The second part was dedicated to Pesach Sheni and the idea of a second chance. Divided into teams, the participants reflected on how to make the observance of mitzvos more understandable, appealing, and inspiring for those around them. The discussion covered topics of tzedakah, tznius, Shabbos, and hospitality, and the presentation of the teams’ ideas generated great interest and a warm response.
“We wanted the Iyar gathering to be not only educational but also useful in the most practical sense, so that mothers and daughters could spend time together, strengthen their bond with each other, and be filled with new ideas,” noted project coordinator Beila Letichevskaya. “We are especially pleased that the participants enjoyed the unique format of this gathering, which combined movement, creativity, deep meaning, and shared participation. For the opportunity to create such warm and meaningful gatherings that fill families with joy and Jewish values, we sincerely thank the Dnipro Jewish Community and its Chief Rabbi, Shmuel Kaminezki.”
