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 on the weekly Torah portion of Noach took place, conducted by Rabbi Meir Stambler. The class became part of the regular program of Jewish education and preparation for Shabbos organized by the project under the leadership of Rabbi Yaakov Dorfman.
The weekly portion of Noach tells about the Great Flood, the righteous Noach, the salvation of his family, and the establishment of a covenant between the Almighty and humanity. One of the most important ideas of this portion lies in a person’s personal responsibility for their actions and for the world in which they live. The story of Noach reminds us that even in surroundings far from ideal, a person is capable of preserving faithfulness to their principles and fulfilling the will of the Almighty.
Another part of the preparation for Shabbos was the baking of pastries, which was done by the female students – participants of the “Beit Yoel” project. Such shared activity helps make the preparation for the holy day not merely the performance of the usual household chores but also an important part of Jewish life, in which traditions are transmitted through direct participation and personal experience.
“It is especially important to us that young Israelis who are far from home can not only study Torah but also feel how its ideas are embodied in everyday life,” noted Rabbi Yaakov Dorfman, director of the “Beit Yoel” project. “The study of the weekly portion and the shared preparation for Shabbos help strengthen the connection with Jewish tradition, create the atmosphere of a true Jewish home, and feel the care and support of the united and cohesive Jewish Community of Dnipro under the leadership of Chief Rabbi Shmuel Kaminezki.”
