At the project of the Jewish Community of Dnipro, “Beit Yoel” – a Dnipro Beit Chabad for Israelis living and studying in the city – a class for girls on the weekly Torah portion of Lech Lecha took place, conducted by Rebbetzin Leah Dorfman. The class became part of the project’s educational activity, carried out under the leadership of Rabbi Yaakov Dorfman and aimed at strengthening the connection of young Israelis with Jewish tradition.
The weekly portion of Lech Lecha tells about the calling of the Patriarch Avraham, whom the Almighty commanded to leave his native land and set out for a distant country, laying the foundation for the special path of the Jewish people. The words “Lech Lecha” are traditionally understood not only as a call to set out on a journey but also as an appeal to a person with the demand to go beyond the familiar, to reveal one’s true purpose, and to draw closer to the Almighty. A special place in this story is occupied by the Matriarch Sarah, who, together with Avraham, became one of the founders of the Jewish people and an example of faithfulness to one’s spiritual calling.
For the girls who are far from Israel, turning to this Torah portion takes on special significance. The story of Avraham and Sarah helps one reflect on how to preserve one’s Jewish identity under new circumstances, to remain faithful to tradition, and to become aware of one’s own responsibility for the continuation of the spiritual heritage of one’s people. It is precisely such an opportunity that the “Beit Yoel” project offers to young Israeli women, combining the study of Torah with participation in the life of the Jewish Community of Dnipro.
“It is very important to us that every girl who is far from home feels that her connection to the Jewish people and its traditions does not depend on distance or circumstances,” noted Rabbi Yaakov Dorfman, director of the “Beit Yoel” project. “The study of the weekly portion of Lech Lecha reminds us that every person has their own path and their own purpose, and our task is to help the young Israeli women become aware of this and feel themselves part of the great Jewish family, united by the care and support of the united and cohesive Jewish Community of Dnipro under the leadership of Chief Rabbi Shmuel Kaminezki.”
