Last week, the Jewish community of Kremenchuk celebrated a truly meaningful and joyful occasion — the Pidyon HaBen (Redemption of the Firstborn) ceremony. The event was held both for Shmuel Boruch, son of Rabbi Levi Karelenstein and his wife Chana, grandson of Kremenchuk’s Chief Rabbi Shlomo Dovid Salamon, as well as for other community members who, for various reasons, had not yet performed this mitzvah at the proper time.
The ceremony for Shmuel Boruch took place precisely according to halacha — on the 31st day after his birth.
A letter of blessing from the Lubavitcher Rebbe was read by Rabbi Erez Karelenstein, the paternal grandfather of the child, together with Rabbi Meir Tzvi Stambler, Chairman of the Council of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine.
The ceremony was conducted by Chief Rabbi of Zaporizhzhia, Rabbi Nochum Erentraynu HaCohen, who observed all requirements: the kohen received the required “five silver shekels” for each firstborn, and each participant was blessed.
Immediately following the ceremony, a seudat mitzvah — a mitzvah feast — took place, participation in which is considered a great merit.
The Jewish Community of Dnipro and our website warmly congratulate all the firstborn boys and their families on fulfilling this beautiful and important mitzvah. May each of them, in due time, come to Torah, to the chuppah, and to good deeds!
Mazl Tov!
