By COLlive reporter
Rabbi Mendy Glitzenshtein, Chabad Shliach and Rabbi of the Jewish community of western Ukrainian city of Chernivtsi, has returned home for the first time since Russia invaded the country.
After the bombing of Ukrainian cities began, Rabbi Glitzenshtein helped thousands of people evacuate the country through the nearby border of Romania.
Among the evacuees were his own family. The photo of his daughters holding baby dolls in their hands and kissing goodbye the Mezuzah on their front door has touched many.
Now the rabbi has returned and is overseeing the celebrations for the holiday of Purim which will begin on Wednesday night.
As he has done for the last 20 years, Rabbi Glitzenshtein will be reading the Megillah in the town which was once dubbed “Jerusalem upon the Prut” for its sizable Jewish population in past years.
He will also be focusing on organizing a community seder for Pesach in his shul and providing Shmura Matzah and other necessities to local residents who remained in the city.
According to Chernivtsi Mayor Roman Klichuk, the city as yet remains unscathed from Russian air raids. Some 40,000 evacuees from around Ukraine have fled to the city and Turkey announced this week that it will be moving its embassy from Kyiv to Chernivtsi.
“My brother is an example of the Jewish self-sacrifice we read about in the Megillah,” wrote Rabbi Glitzenshtein’s brother Shmuel. “He couldn’t imagine the community which he built for the last 20 years remaining without the joy of Purim.”
“I salute you. Stay safe,” his brother added.
Just incredible!!
How can we send him financial support?
just wow. May hashem protect him and all the yidden everywhere.