At the project of the Jewish Community of Dnipro, “Beit Yoel” – a Dnipro Beit Chabad for Israelis living and studying in the city – a festive women’s gathering took place, dedicated to Rosh Chodesh of the month of Kislev. The class was conducted by Rebbetzin Leah Dorfman, and Rebbetzin Tzipora Nachshon also took part in it. A special event of the gathering was that one of the Israeli girls fulfilled for the first time in her life the mitzvah of separating challah – afrashas challah.
Rosh Chodesh Kislev occupies a special place in the Chabad calendar. It was on this day in 5738 (1977) that the Lubavitcher Rebbe, after suffering a severe heart attack and an astonishingly short period of recovery, was able to return home from “770.” This event became for chassidim a day of joy and gratitude to the Almighty, and the month of Kislev itself, rich in memorable dates and events of Jewish history, is perceived as a special time of miracles.
During the gathering, the girls studied a sicha of the Lubavitcher Rebbe dedicated to the spiritual strength of the Jewish woman and her special role in fulfilling mitzvos and strengthening Jewish life. The conversation continued with the ceremony of afrashas challah – the separation of a portion of the dough when preparing bread, one of the mitzvos traditionally connected with the Jewish woman. It was performed by an Israeli student for whom this was the first experience in her life of fulfilling this mitzvah, and therefore the ceremony acquired special significance.
The separation of challah was accompanied by prayers and blessings. The girls asked the Almighty for the well-being of the entire Jewish people, for good news, for miracles, and for the speedy conclusion of the present difficult time with the coming of Moshiach as soon as possible. Chassidic niggunim were sung, the participants rejoiced together at the onset of the month of Kislev, combining a festive mood with sincere prayer and hope.
“For the young Israeli women who are far from their native home, such gatherings hold special significance, for here they not only study Torah and become acquainted with Jewish traditions but also receive the opportunity to fulfill mitzvos together, to share joy, and to feel the support of people to whom they have become their own and close,” noted Rabbi Yaakov Dorfman, director of the “Beit Yoel” project. “Rosh Chodesh Kislev reminds us of the power of faith, hope, and gratitude to the Almighty for His miracles. We want each of our students to feel this joy, to know that her prayer matters, and to feel herself part of the great family of the united and cohesive Jewish Community of Dnipro under the leadership of Chief Rabbi Shmuel Kaminezki.”
