At the Levi Yitzchak Schneerson Jewish Lyceum No. 144, the leading educational institution of the Dnipro Jewish Community, the holiday of Tu BiShvat became not only an introduction to traditions but also part of the larger educational system of the “GPS of the Soul” project, where every deed, every blessing, and every effort combine to form personal and shared spiritual growth.
The festive morning began with a special breakfast during which the children tasted the famous “Seven Species of Israel.” The students did not just enjoy the fruits; they recalled their significance in Jewish tradition, recited the appropriate blessings, and learned why the fruits of the Land of Israel have become a symbol of abundance, gratitude, and the connection between a person and the Creator.
That same day, a special campaign related to the Birkat HaMazon (grace after meals) prayer was launched at the lyceum. A pot with a flower appeared in every classroom, and each time the students recite Birkat HaMazon, a paper flower is added to it. The lusher this bouquet becomes, the more points the class earns. This visually shows the children how a big result is built from many small but regular actions. This initiative is directly connected to the annual theme of the “GPS of the Soul” project, helping students track their own spiritual “route” through daily deeds.
The lyceum students diligently decorated their classrooms with the holiday theme, and in the fifth grade, a special lesson dedicated to Tu BiShvat was held in the format of a traditions class. The schoolchildren discussed the meaning of the holiday, once again tasted the fruits of Israel, recited blessings, and even examined dates according to the laws of kashrut. This format helped the children better understand that tradition is manifested not only in words but also in specific, attentive actions.
The Tu BiShvat celebration at the lyceum served as an example of how, through engaging formats, understandable images of growth and fruitfulness, and regular good deeds, children develop a sense of personal responsibility and belonging to a common cause.
“Through the traditions of Tu BiShvat, the children saw especially clearly that spiritual growth happens gradually, through many small steps,” says lyceum teacher Leah Lazareva. “Blessings, attention to detail, and participation in joint initiatives teach students to feel themselves part of a large community where everyone’s contribution is important. This is exactly how our ‘GPS of the Soul’ works, helping students grow together, just as our united and cohesive Dnipro Jewish Community grows and develops under the leadership of its Chief Rabbi, Shmuel Kaminezki.”
