As part of the weekly men’s gathering in the “Menorah Community” youth project of the Dnipro Jewish Community, which is actively developing thanks to the efforts of the Zislin family, a special farbrengen was held dedicated to the 24th of Tevet – the yahrzeit of the founder of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, the First Lubavitcher Rebbe, the Alter Rebbe.
The farbrengen was led by the teacher of the “Menorah Community” project, the Deputy Secretary of the Dnipro Rabbinical Court, Reb Avraham Yosef Yitzchak Karshenbaum. During the meeting, stories related to the personality of the Alter Rebbe, his life path, and the fundamental ideas of Chassidus that he established were shared. The speaker emphasized the special significance of the 24th of Tevet as a day for internal reflection, spiritual connection with the Rebbe, and strengthening Jewish identity.
The farbrengen was followed by an in-depth lesson dedicated to the topic of giyur (conversion) as a path of conscious choice of a Jewish soul. The discussion explored what giyur entails from the perspective of Judaism, the stages it encompasses, and why sincere intention, acceptance of the commandments, and readiness to bear responsibility before Hashem and the Jewish community are key. This conversation logically complemented the atmosphere of the farbrengen, allowing participants to view the theme of belonging to the Jewish people as a deep spiritual process, not merely a formal step.
“Farbrengens and such in-depth lessons give project participants the opportunity not just to receive abstract knowledge but to experience it, connecting learning with personal spiritual growth and real life,” noted the head of the “Menorah Community” project, Levi Zislin. “This time, in a warm and focused atmosphere, participants of our project gathered to honor the memory of the great tzaddik, discuss his spiritual legacy, and explore how his teachings continue to be alive and relevant in the life of every Jew, especially within the wonderful community that is our united and close-knit Dnipro Jewish Community under the leadership of Chief Rabbi Shmuel Kaminezki.”
