In the space of the Dnipro Jewish Community’s project “Beit Yoel” (the Dnipro “Chabad House for Israelis” who live and study in the city), located on the third floor of the administrative building of the “Golden Rose” complex, events dedicated to the holiday took place daily throughout Hanukkah, with the lighting of the Hanukkiah, meaningful sessions, and informal gatherings.
On the first three evenings of the holiday, the candles were lit by participants of the “Beit Yoel” project, students of Dnipro higher education institutions: Yaakov Mashiach, Ariel Mashiachov, and Yair Sianov. Later, the Hanukkiah was lit by the project’s rabbi, Yaakov Dorfman. And on the final, eighth evening of Hanukkah, the honor of lighting the Hanukkiah was given to a special guest of the project, the head of the “Nativ” representative office in Ukraine, advisor to the Embassy of the State of Israel in Ukraine, Mr. Mark (Mordechai) Dovev.
A special party took place on the evening of the third candle and was attended by the Chief Rabbi of Dnipro and the region, Shmuel Kaminezki, who warmly greeted the students, wished them a happy and joyous Hanukkah, and spoke about the lessons of this holiday in our time when it is so important to multiply spiritual light in the world. That evening, a specially invited DJ played for the students, and everyone also had the opportunity to enjoy a show program by skilled bartenders.
“The holiday of Hanukkah is a special period for Israeli students, when they particularly acutely feel the importance of communication in a homely, friendly atmosphere illuminated by the light of the Hanukkah flames,” says Rabbi Yaakov Dorfman. “Thanks to our Chabad House, they have such an opportunity and, feeling warmth and care, they wholeheartedly thank the united and cohesive Dnipro Jewish Kehillah under the leadership of its Rav, Shmuel Kaminezki, which has welcomed them as a large, loving family.”
