On the eve of Rosh Chodesh Adar, sessions dedicated to the theme “Joy in Adar” took place in two educational projects of the Dnipro Jewish Community—”The Jewish Home” and “Time, Word, Opportunity,” led by Chaya Prasolova. These gatherings were not merely lessons but spaces for meaningfully experiencing the idea that with the arrival of Adar, marbeh b’simchah—we increase in joy.
In the “Jewish Home” project, women gathered to recall the key dates of the month—from the 3rd of Adar, the day the Second Temple’s construction was completed, through the 7th of Adar, the birthday and yahrzeit of Moshe Rabbeinu, to the culmination of Adar—Ta’anis Esther and the days of Purim. However, the focus was not on listing events but on internalizing their deeper meaning. Participants sang niggunim, danced, and shared reflections on how joy becomes a form of spiritual work and a tool for overcoming challenges.
A special moment was the creation of a wall newspaper featuring photographs of teachers and mentors, accompanied by poems written by Kreina Sara Frolova. The women recalled key events of the past four years, expressed gratitude to their educators, and blessed one another with wishes for great spiritual growth. The festive atmosphere was enhanced by musical accompaniment—Tzipora Nachshon played the bayan, and the participants performed the song “Golden Rose,” with lyrics and music also composed by Kreina Sara Frolova.
The theme of the month of Adar was also the focus of a women’s session held at the “Hummus Bar” as part of the “Time, Word, Opportunity” project, which has been operating for over two and a half years under the direction of Chaya Prasolova. A symbolic backdrop for this gathering was another wall newspaper featuring images of the seven Lubavitcher Rebbes—the spiritual leaders of the Chabad movement—presented in chronological order, from the founder of the movement, author of the Tanya, to the leader of our generation, the Seventh Rebbe, who launched the global network of shlichus. This image of continuity underscored that women’s projects and lessons on joy in Adar are part of the ongoing spiritual work of many generations.
“We see how the joy of Adar truly multiplies and unfolds into gratitude—something especially important for Jewish women,” noted Chaya Prasolova, leader of these projects. “Women inspire one another, give thanks, remember, grow… What begins as a small lesson becomes a source of inspiration for many. For the opportunity women have to gather, learn, strengthen their connection to tradition, and fill their lives with the light of Torah and joy, we thank the Dnipro Jewish Community and its spiritual leader, Chief Rabbi Shmuel Kaminezki.”
