At the “Beit Yoel” project space of the Dnipro Jewish Community – Dnipro’s “Beit Chabad for Israelis” living and studying in the city – a vibrant and joyous Purim 5786 celebration took place. This year, the festive gathering was held on the ninth floor of the Menorah Center, where project participants came together to celebrate one of the most joyful holidays on the Jewish calendar in an atmosphere of friendship and unity.
The central event of the evening was the fulfillment of one of the holiday’s primary mitzvos – the reading of the Megillah. The Megillah was read by Rabbi Moshe Neumann, and the blessings before the reading were recited by one of the “Beit Yoel” project students, Ariel Mashiachov. Also in attendance were the rabbinic instructors who teach the project’s students, including Rabbi Menachem Mendel Marinovsky, who came together with his wife and children. The honored guest of the celebration was esteemed Dnipro Jewish Community member Rafael Sapozhnikov, a long-time friend of the project and a supporter of “Beit Yoel’s” activities.
A rich festive program was prepared for the participants. Students enjoyed a performance by a juggler, took part in a fun cocktail-making competition, and the musical atmosphere of the evening was provided by a DJ, ensuring the celebration was filled with joy and authentic Purim merriment. The festive atmosphere was shared with the students by the Rabbi of the Beit Chabad for Israelis, Yaakov Dorfman, and his wife Leah, who accompany and support the project participants.
“Purim is a time of special joy, when Jews gather together to hear the Megillah and feel the power of unity,” shared Rabbi Yaakov Dorfman. “I would like to remind everyone that our project bears the name of the tragically deceased student Yoel Levaev, and his grandparents – renowned philanthropists Lev and Olga Levaev – provide us with substantial support. Thanks to our Beit Chabad, Israeli students who are far from home can celebrate the holiday in a warm, friendly atmosphere and feel part of a large Jewish family. This has been made possible through the support, care, and attention of the united and cohesive Dnipro Jewish Community under the leadership of its Chief Rabbi, Shmuel Kaminezki.”
