The main Purim 5786 celebration in the Dnipro Jewish Community took place in one of the largest venues of the Menorah Center – the Grand Hall. Over seven hundred community members and guests gathered together to fulfill the primary mitzvos of Purim and share in the joy of this special day on the Jewish calendar.
By tradition, this Purim celebration was a gift from esteemed Dnipro Jewish Community member Levi Yitzchak Ratushny and his family, who have undertaken the organization of the main Purim event in the Dnipro Jewish Community for many years. The community leadership expresses its deep gratitude to them.
Following a welcome party with photo opportunities, guests proceeded to the main hall, where the evening’s central events began with a video of the Rebbe and the fulfillment of the primary Purim mitzvah – hearing the reading of the Megillah. For the convenience of the guests, four simultaneous Megillah readings took place in the Menorah Grand Hall, led by Rabbi Menachem Mendel Feldman, Rabbi Moshe Neumann, Reb David Maltsev, and Rabbi Levi Karelenstein. All participants listened attentively to every word of the Megillah, fulfilling the holiday mitzvah and actively drowning out the name of the primary villain, creating a uniquely vibrant atmosphere.
Following the Megillah reading, guests took their places at lavishly set festive tables laden with delicacies. As the first “l’chaim” were recited, Chief Rabbi of Dnipro and the region Shmuel Kaminezki addressed those present, emphasizing the significance of Purim as a holiday of joy, unity, and gratitude to the Almighty for the miracle of the Jewish people’s salvation.
Esteemed members of the Dnipro Jewish Community, Nathan Zolotarevsky, Chaim Zaidner, and Levi Yitzchak Ratushny, also addressed the guests, offering warm wishes of joy, well-being, and continued prosperity for the community.
A significant moment was the address by City Council Deputy, Honored Artist of Ukraine Hryhoriy Helfer, who was recently awarded the prestigious Sholem Aleichem State Prize for his play “SNE.” He announced an initiative to establish a monument in Dnipro to the heroes of Sholem Aleichem’s works – Tevye the Dairyman and his wife Golde.
The festive atmosphere in the hall was enhanced by a vibrant concert program. Guests were entertained by the renowned ensembles “Favorit” and “Good Mood,” as well as the “Revolvers” dance group, who delivered dynamic and colorful performances.
A traditional highlight of the Purim celebration in Dnipro was the famous costume contest, led for many years by esteemed Dnipro Jewish Community member Fedir Grishchev. Guests in colorful and unusual costumes took to the stage, showcasing their creative outfits, after which the jury selected the most original ones. All participants received holiday gifts: soft toys for the children and books for the adults.
A highlight of the festive evening was the performance of the renowned and beloved singer, People’s Artist of Ukraine and holder of numerous state awards, Pavlo Mykolayovych Zibrov. His popular songs drew thunderous applause and created a special atmosphere of holiday merriment.
Special mention must be made of the wonderful children’s program, which ran concurrently in the Menorah Ballroom. Talented animators and educators provided each child with a vibrant, engaging, and unforgettable celebration, filling their hearts with joy and carefree delight.
The Purim celebration continued for many hours and became a true festival of joy, connection, and unity, giving all participants a profound sense of fulfilling the Purim mitzvos and experiencing genuine ‘mishte v’simcha’ – a festive feast and rejoicing.
