The “Menorah Community” youth project of the Jewish Community of Dnipro, which has been actively developing thanks to the efforts of the Zislina family, held another women’s Torah class dedicated to trust in the Almighty, fear of the unknown, and how to make the most important life decisions without trying to foresee and control everything.
A special guest of the gathering was Rebbetzin Risha Gurevich, who invited the participants to turn to the story of Yitzchak and Rivka from the weekly portion of Chayei Sarah and to talk about how faith in the Almighty helps a person overcome doubts and fears, especially when it comes to choosing a life partner and establishing a family.
At the center of the discussion was the story of the search for a bride for Yitzchak, when Avraham’s servant Eliezer set out on a distant journey, entrusting the success of his mission to the Almighty and turning to Him in prayer. The encounter with Rivka at the well and her readiness to leave her native home in order to become Yitzchak’s wife enabled the participants to reflect on the role that faith, trust in Divine Providence, and readiness to fulfill the will of the Creator play in a person’s fate, even when the future is not yet known.
Special depth was given to the conversation by the personal story of Rebbetzin Risha Gurevich, who shared with the participants her memories of meeting her future husband, as well as the fears and doubts that she herself had to overcome. On this example, the participants reflected on the fact that trust in the Almighty does not mean a renunciation of responsibility for one’s own decisions but helps a person understand that far from everything in life depends on one’s plans and calculations. It is important not to strive at any cost to control the future, but to do everything necessary on one’s own part, guided by the Torah and the mitzvos, and to rely on the will of the Almighty.
“When it comes to such important decisions as establishing a family, it is especially difficult for a person to come to terms with the fact that it is impossible to know and foresee everything in advance,” noted Esti Zislina, co-director of the “Menorah Community” project. “The story of Yitzchak and Rivka, supplemented by the personal experience of our guest, helps one understand that trust in the Almighty does not free us from the necessity of making the right choice but gives us the strength to overcome the fear of the unknown and to accept His will. It is very important to us that the participants of our classes find in the Torah not only knowledge but also spiritual support for the most important decisions of their lives. And for the opportunity to hold such gatherings, strengthen Jewish families, and spread the light of the Torah, we thank from the bottom of our hearts the united and cohesive Jewish Community of Dnipro under the leadership of Chief Rabbi Shmuel Kaminezki.”
