In the women’s hall of the Central “Golden Rose” Synagogue, a gathering took place in honor of Rosh Chodesh of the month of Kislev, the main event of which was a lesson by Chagit Manuilova, “When the Torah Becomes Life,” dedicated to how small steps in the observance of mitzvos can lead to great spiritual changes and transform not only a person’s deeds but also the person themselves.
At the center of the participants’ attention were three important components of a Jewish woman’s life – kashrus, modesty, and Shabbos. Chagit Manuilova spoke about how the mitzvos of the Torah are connected to one another, why their observance influences a person’s inner world, and how, gradually, step by step, one can come to their fulfillment with understanding and joy. Special attention was given to the fact that spiritual changes begin with small but conscious decisions that gradually become part of everyday life. The gathering was held in the format of an open dialogue, during which the women could share their own experience of observing Shabbos, kashrus, and the laws of tznius, discuss the difficulties that arise, and find support in one another, for it is precisely such communication that helps overcome uncertainty and take the first steps toward the fulfillment of mitzvos.
The gathering began with the lighting of candles in honor of Rosh Chodesh Kislev, which also reminded of the approaching Chanukah – the holiday of light and victory. Another symbolic moment was the presentation to the participants of ribbons that glow in the dark. They reminded that every person is called not only to find light for their own path but also to illuminate the way for others, to carry the light of the Torah and to become its source themselves.
An important theme of the gathering was also the approaching New Year of Chassidus – the 19th of Kislev, the day of the liberation from the Russian dungeons of Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, the Alter Rebbe, the founder of the Chabad movement. This date occupies a special place in Chassidic tradition and reminds of the significance of spreading the teaching of Chassidus, which helps a person understand the Torah more deeply and apply its guidance in everyday life.
Special attention was given to one of the active participants of such women’s gatherings – Mrs. Esther Rapoport, who was presented with a challah cover provided by Rebbetzin Chana Kaminezki, who also attended the gathering together with Tzipora Nachshon. Mrs. Rapoport herself, on the occasion of receiving such a dear gift, prepared and presented to the participants a summary of a letter of the Lubavitcher Rebbe about the fact that the meaning of a person’s life lies in observing the Torah and fulfilling its mitzvos, and that mistakes made should not become a cause for despair, for thanks to teshuvah they can turn into a starting point for spiritual growth.
“It is very important to us that every woman be able to speak freely about her experience, ask questions, and gradually discover for herself the joy of observing mitzvos, without feeling fear or pressure,” noted the organizer of the event, Chaya Prasolova. “This gathering became a continuation of the words of Rabbi Kaminezki, spoken during Shabbos, about the fact that people must be treated with patience and understanding, without demanding immediate changes from them, for everyone comes to the Torah in their own way and in their own time. We strive for the light of Yiddishkeit to spread ever wider, and I am happy that such work becomes possible thanks to the united and cohesive Jewish Community of Dnipro under the leadership of Chief Rabbi Shmuel Kaminezki.”
