Another meeting of the “Rosh Chodesh Club” program for girls participating in the Dnipro Jewish Community’s youth project “DJCY-STL-STARS Dnipro,” implemented with the support of STL, was dedicated to the arrival of the month of Iyar and the important dates of this period, as well as the spiritual lessons that each of them holds for a person’s daily life.
During the gathering, participants discussed the important dates of the month of Iyar, beginning with the birthday of the Fourth Lubavitcher Rebbe. They recalled Chassidic stories associated with him and spoke about the significance of righteous leaders whose spiritual legacy continues to inspire many generations. Afterwards, special attention was given to Pesach Sheni, which is observed on the 14th of Iyar and symbolizes the possibility of a second chance. The girls reflected on the idea that even if a person feels that an important moment has already been lost, the door is closed, and nothing can be fixed, Jewish tradition reminds us that there is always an opportunity to begin anew, to change the direction of one’s life, and to take a new step forward.
They also spoke about Lag BaOmer and the students of Rabbi Akiva. The participants discussed the well-known lesson about the necessity of loving one’s fellow and respecting another person, even when their opinion differs from one’s own. A special emphasis was placed on the fact that true respect is demonstrated not only through kind words and deeds but also through the ability to accept differences of opinion while maintaining unity and dignity in relationships between people.
The final inspiring theme was the story of Rabbi Akiva himself, who began his path of Torah study as an adult. The participants spoke about how the example of drops of water gradually wearing away stone became for him a symbol of perseverance and consistency. This image helped the girls understand the importance of small daily efforts, which over time lead to great spiritual and life achievements.
“Every meeting of the ‘Rosh Chodesh Club’ helps the girls see that Jewish tradition is addressed not only to the past but also to their own lives today,” says Chaya Maltseva, director of the “DJCY-STL-STARS Dnipro” project. “The themes of second chances, respect for others, perseverance, and spiritual growth become real life guides for the participants and help them feel part of the united and cohesive Dnipro Jewish Community under the leadership of its Chief Rabbi, Shmuel Kaminezki.”
