The JBBBS (Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters) project of the Dnipro Jewish Community continues to create a space for children where development, trust, and life experience combine with joy and a festive atmosphere. The program’s meeting was dedicated to preparing for the holiday of Tu BiShvat – but in a format that will surely be remembered by all participants.
This time, the organizers offered the children an unusual challenge: a limited budget, strict time constraints, and complete freedom of action. The participants imagined themselves as heroes of the movie “Home Alone” and received the task of independently preparing for the festive meal – without adult hints. Dividing into teams, the children went to one of the city’s large supermarkets, where they needed to find the necessary kosher products, stay within the time limit, and spend as little money as possible.
During the quest, the children actively consulted, debated, sought compromises, made decisions, and took responsibility for their choices. This was not just shopping, but a real lesson in independence, teamwork, and practical thinking.
After returning, the participants together discussed each team’s purchases, talked about the traditions of Tu BiShvat, the significance of the fruits of the Land of Israel, and the rules of kashrut. The conclusion of this part of the meeting was a joint tasting of kosher baked goods, prepared with a special festive mood.
The final chord of the day was active recreation at the entertainment center “DKids Dnipro,” where the children were met with movement, laughter, and much sincere joy. This welcoming venue has hosted the JBBBS program more than once and helps bring a variety of creative ideas to life, for which the organizers express special gratitude.
“It is important for us to create formats where children can feel trust in themselves, learn to negotiate, work in a team, and take responsibility for the shared result. It is precisely in such situations that real life experience is born, which stays with them for a long time,” notes the head of the JBBBS project, Tatiana Kaplunska.
We express sincere gratitude to the Jewish communities of Dnipro and Greater Boston, as well as to Chief Rabbi Shmuel Kaminezki, for their constant support of the JBBBS program and assistance in implementing ideas that make each meeting special and meaningful.
Ahead are new interesting formats and unexpected ideas, so we look forward to the next meetings. For details and registration, please call: 068-480-30-52 (Natalia).
