In the “City of the King,” Dnipro in eastern Ukraine—where the Rebbe, the leader of our generation, grew up—the joy of Chanukah this year was felt “throughout the entire city.” Despite the war, activities increased significantly, with dozens of candle-lighting ceremonies taking place simultaneously at many locations across the city.
Each evening, central public menorah lightings were held at the Menorah Jewish Center—the largest Jewish center in the world—with the participation of thousands of people. Every night, Jewish bands and singers from across Ukraine accompanied the ceremonies, along with daily raffles for valuable prizes. The menorah was lit each evening by distinguished community donors together with the chief shaliach and rabbi, Rabbi Shmuel Kaminetsky.
At the same time, menorahs were set up in 10 shopping malls throughout the city, most of them Jewish-owned. Every day, volunteers—young people and students from the Tomchei Tmimim Yeshiva in the city—stood there, lit candles with passersby, and distributed menorahs so they could light them in their own homes. Ten large public menorahs were also placed in different areas around Dnipro, in busy locations and the city’s main squares.
Community candle-lighting events were also held in various neighborhoods and communities: at the Levi Yitzchak Chabad House—named for the holy Kabbalist Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson, the Rebbe’s father, who served as the city’s rabbi; at the “Millennium Chocolate” factory in the Gagarin neighborhood with Rabbi Israel Gorovitz; in the Kirova neighborhood with Rabbi Levi Engelsman; and at the main “In the Streets of the City” event—held in a central square in the heart of Dnipro—with the participation of many hundreds of local Jews. This central event included a special program with singers performing Hanukkah songs and Yiddish melodies, alongside uplifting and unique activities for the general public and for children, who came despite temperatures several degrees below zero. The central event was organized by shaliach Rabbi Moshe Weber. The Chairman of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine, shaliach Rabbi Mayer Stambler, was honored to address the public.
In addition, candle-lighting ceremonies and events were held at the Jewish nursing home, a rehabilitation center for prisoners, the synagogue where Rabbi Levi Yitzchak served as rabbi, the Jewish school and kindergartens, and the city’s Jewish orphanages. Special events also took place at the Chabad House for Israelis and at “Beit Yoel”—the student center named in memory of Dr. Yoel Leibov, who was tragically killed in a traffic accident about a year and a half ago—with the participation of more than 50 students and families, together with the community rabbi, Rabbi Yaakov Dorfman.
Alongside all of this, hundreds of home visits were conducted throughout the holiday—families and yeshiva students visited the homes of elderly people, young adults, and families, bringing them the joy of the festival. At the same time, in preparation for the holiday and during it, thousands of Hanukkah kits and food packages were distributed to the city’s Jews, enabling every man and woman to celebrate the holiday with dignity, light, and joy.
