Another gathering of participants in the “Bnos Melachim” (Daughters of the King) program took place at Machon “Chaya-Mushka,” the leading educational institution for girls of the Dnipro Jewish Community. The session was dedicated to the theme of light, joy, and the special spiritual atmosphere of the month of Adar.
At the center of the lesson was the image of a candle that brings light and joy. The girls discussed how even a small flame can transform a space, especially at times when it is dark outside and electricity outages are common. Participants shared their feelings, noting that with light comes warmth, calm, and cheerfulness—and along with it, a person’s inner state changes as well.
This theme naturally led to a conversation about the month of Adar, a time about which it is said that we increase in joy. The girls read a story about the significance of this month and discussed why it is especially important during Adar to maintain a positive mood, support one another, and share goodness. Special attention was given to the holiday of Purim and the mitzvah of mishloach manos, through which joy is amplified when we bring happiness to others.
The practical part of the meeting was lively and fun. The girls played amusing and engaging games, which they enthusiastically continued even during the break. Additionally, a lottery was held: participants who had brought in “dochos”—checklists of completed mitzvos—received the opportunity to take part. This served as extra motivation for performing mitzvos and fostering personal responsibility.
“When girls realize that light can be kindled not only with a candle but also with their mood, a kind word, and a good deed, they begin to truly understand the meaning of the month of Adar,” said Morah Zivi Smilyanska, director of the Bnos Melachim program. “It is precisely through such sessions that inner joy is cultivated, along with the ability to share it with others and a strong connection to tradition—all within the caring and spiritual atmosphere of the Dnipro Jewish Community under the leadership of its Chief Rabbi, Shmuel Kaminezki.”
