During the days of Chol HaMoed Sukkot, a three-day celebration took place at the “Hesed Menachem” charitable foundation, made possible by the Dnipro Jewish Community. The event brought together beneficiaries, volunteers, staff, and creative activists in a warm, family-like atmosphere.
Under the roof of the festive sukkah set up in the courtyard of the central “Golden Rose” Synagogue, more than a hundred participants of Hesed’s holiday program experienced the true joy of the festival. They performed the commandments, shared meals, and together felt the profound spiritual meanings of the holiday, filled with kindness and gratitude. Each meeting was opened with an introductory speech by the head of Hesed’s “Social Service,” Olga Tit, who warmly greeted everyone for the holiday, emphasizing gratitude to the Dnipro Jewish Community and its Chief Rabbi, Shmuel Kaminezki, for the opportunity to celebrate together in an atmosphere of unity, for the help in fulfilling the commandments, and for the wonderful festive meal.
On the first day of Chol HaMoed, the celebration began with a vibrant program for the Day Center beneficiaries, featuring Jewish songs, interactive performances, and discussions about Sukkot traditions. The next day, on the eve of Shabbat, the sukkah gathered Hesed office staff and DVC volunteers; the holiday became an opportunity for them to gather for the festival in a family atmosphere, with wishes for goodness and peace. The final day, Hoshana Rabbah, was adorned with performances by the “Goldene Meydelach” choir and other activists from the “Freilachs” club’s creative programs, which created an elevated mood and filled the holiday with songs about faith, unity, and gratitude.
Throughout all three meetings, warmth, sincere smiles, shared prayers, and a good mood prevailed among the beneficiaries and staff of “Hesed Menachem” in the sukkah of the “Golden Rose” Synagogue. The festive programs combined educational presentations, spiritual reflections, and inspiring songs that united all participants. Sukkot at “Hesed Menachem” once again proved that the main strength of the community lies in mutual support, kindness, and unity.
“Being together during the days of Sukkot is the greatest blessing,” says the head of the “Freilachs” club, Viktoriia Opalenko. “These three days showed that true joy comes when we share it with others, help, sing, and thank the Almighty for the opportunity to be together.”
