Traditionally, the “Pidyon HaBen” ceremony (redemption of the firstborn) is held on the 30th day after the birth of a boy who is the first child of his mother. The responsibility for fulfilling this mitzvah lies with the baby’s father, who must redeem his son from a Kohen. However, if the ceremony was not performed on time, the obligation to redeem oneself later falls on the firstborn himself, even in adulthood.
In the Jewish Community of Dnipro, the “Pidyon HaBen” ceremony is held regularly, allowing many community members to fulfill this mitzvah — either on behalf of their children or for themselves. Recently, such ceremonies took place in the historic Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Synagogue on Yevropeiska Street, as well as in the central synagogue “Golden Rose.”
Only a direct descendant of Aaron, from the priestly lineage of the Kohanim — the priests of the Jerusalem Temple — is eligible to perform this beautiful and ancient ceremony. In this case, the Kohen was Shayeh Katz, an emissary of the Lubavitcher Rebbe and a teacher at the prestigious international educational institution “Tomchei Tmimim Yeshiva Ktana Ukraine.” He conducted the “Pidyon HaBen” ceremony before Shabbat for four members of the community, and on Yom Rishon (Sunday) for ten more. The initiative for this event came from Rabbi Levi Artyushkin, spiritual leader of the “Beit Baruch” home.
After all the required procedures were performed, blessings recited, and the audience congratulated each firstborn who redeemed himself, a seudat mitzvah — a festive meal in honor of fulfilling this sacred commandment — was held.
The Jewish Community of Dnipro warmly congratulates every firstborn who took part in the “Pidyon HaBen” ceremony and wishes them that just as they fulfilled this mitzvah, they may also reach the milestones of Torah, Chuppah, and good deeds!
