By COLlive reporter
Dozens of Chabad Shluchim from across Ukraine gathered this past Shabbos at the Menorah Center in the city of Dnipro for a historic and uplifting Shabbos of unity.
Together with their families, they participated in a rich Chassidic program, farbrengens late into the night, and a wide range of workshops and activities.
Despite vast distances, ongoing security challenges and complex conditions on the ground, Shluchim traveled from Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odessa, Zaporizhzhia, Kremenchuk, Chernivtsi, Kryvyi Rih, Mykolaiv and beyond. Some endured journeys of more than 18 hours due to severe winter weather and long travel routes within the country.
The special atmosphere was evident upon arrival, with a large welcome sign greeting participants to the Shabbos of Unity for Shluchim families in Ukraine. The host, Rabbi Shmuel Kaminetzky of Dnipro, together with his children and members of the local community, personally welcomed the guests.
Joining them were Rabbi Reuven Kaminetzky of the organizing committee, Rabbi Shlomo Salmon of Kremenchuk, and Rabbi Simcha Lavanherz of Jewish Relief Network Ukraine (JRNU). The Shluchos were greeted by Mrs. Dina Salmon and Mrs. Sarah Stambler, members of the organizing committee.
Each Shliach received a personal gift package sponsored by JRNU, which stood behind the meticulous planning and organization of the Shabbos. The main hall featured impressive panels displaying the Rebbe’s words about the mission of our generation, including the call that the avodah of Shlichus today is expressed through preparing to greet Moshiach.
The program included Chassidus classes, professional Shlichus sessions, farbrengens, women’s workshops, children’s programming, communal tefillos and festive meals.
Events began Thursday afternoon with the completion of a Sefer Torah that will be dedicated to the Jewish community of Mykolaiv, led by Rabbi Sholom Gottlieb. Thursday evening featured a special security workshop with a senior Ukrainian security official and a representative of Chabad’s CWA security and emergency network.
Shluchim also attended a comprehensive educational fair presented by JRNU and the thriving Or Avner school network. The fair highlighted year-round educational initiatives, including Sunday schools, afterschool programs, preschool and day school curricula, youth clubs, student activities and humanitarian relief efforts. Rabbi Shlomo Neiman, director of educational activities, presented detailed information to the participants.
At the same time, the Shluchim’s children enjoyed a dedicated camp program with trips, attractions and organized activities.
A central Friday night seudah brought together senior mashpiim and veteran Shluchim, followed by a farbrengen that continued into the early hours of the morning.
In a surprise gesture of support, the Deputy Mayor of Dnipro attended on Friday night to honor the Shluchim. The Shabbos concluded with a festive and content-rich Melaveh Malka attended by Shluchim from across the country.
Rabbi Kaminetzky, who oversaw every detail of the gathering, personally thanked JRNU, Rabbi Shlomo Peles, and the Federation of Jewish Communities of the Former Soviet Union for their extensive support of the Shabbos and their ongoing commitment to the Shluchim throughout the year.
In UKraine the shluchim are upholding the Jewish people in such a difficult time. Hashem will reward all of us for our deeds.