The theme for the month of Kislev in the “GPS Soul” project, implemented on the initiative of the Judaic Studies Department at the Levi Yitzchak Schneerson Jewish Lyceum No. 144, the leading educational institution of the Dnipro Jewish Community, has been the concept of “Community” in its various aspects.
The launch of the monthly theme within the “GPS Soul” project was a special, vibrant, and exceptionally warm event, emphasizing the power of unity, support, and mutual aid that define a true community. A separate engaging program was offered for each age group.
For younger students, the program “Together We Are Light” was prepared, helping children in a playful and dynamic format to distinguish between “light” and “darkness” in ordinary everyday situations. The children were offered thematic games, including searches for “Hanukkah lights” and creating their own “map of light,” allowing the young lyceum students to feel how even the small light of friendship and kindness can overcome darkness and how, when everyone unites, the light becomes very bright and can accomplish many good deeds.
Middle school students were offered the route “Strength in Unity,” and a meaningful yet highly interactive program was prepared for them. Throughout the program, they completed tasks dedicated to the 19th of Kislev and Hanukkah, had the opportunity to perform good deeds, and experience the essence of community work.
High school students worked at their level within the “Community of Adult Decisions” program, approaching the adaptation of games like “Elias” and “Who Am I?” to the realities of the Jewish community’s activities—charity, leadership, and responsibility, as well as the holidays of the month of Kislev—very seriously and creatively.
However, the launch is just the beginning of a series of events dedicated to the concept of “community.” These include a major charity campaign to help the elderly, a special fair, and many other good deeds that will fill the month of Kislev with light, warmth, and true unity.
“There was a lot of teamwork, fun intellectual challenges, and warm moments at the launch of the monthly theme because each class was gathering its own ‘community light,’ proving that together we can achieve more,” said Tetyana Sirotkina, Deputy Director of the Lyceum. “The students spoke about the true strength of community, how important it is to support each other and do good deeds—not for the sake of ticking a box, but from the heart. The result of the game was not only points but also mature reflections, considered decisions, and conclusions. Our main message this month is: ‘When we are together—we win. When we are together—we shine. When we are together—we are a COMMUNITY,’ as united and close-knit as the Dnipro Jewish Community under the leadership of its Chief Rabbi, Shmuel Kaminezki.”
