6 months ago

Ukraine Shluchim Reflect on Sukkos

Tens of thousands of Jews across Ukraine were able to fulfill the Sukkos customs and mitzvos thanks to the tireless efforts of local rabbis and Chabad Shluchim • Full Story, Photos

In Zaporizhzhia, the community celebrated Simchat Torah during the intermediate days of Sukkot, while in Chernivtsi, a significant milestone was reached. In Mykolaiv, long lines formed to bless the lulav, and in Zhytomyr, the community experienced a Sukkot marked by a series of miracles.

This was the third Sukkot celebrated by Ukrainian Jews amid an ongoing crisis—though this year, unlike the past two, the celebrations occurred in relative stability. Thanks to the work of the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s emissaries, who serve as Ukraine’s city rabbis, tens of thousands of Jews had the opportunity to fulfill the mitzvah of shaking the lulav, sit in beautifully constructed sukkahs, and rejoice in the festivities of Simchat Beit HaShoeva held every evening across Ukrainian cities.

FJC and Chabad’s network in Ukraine, JRNU, provided humanitarian aid packages as they do for every festival, alongside supplies for all the High Holidays. This extensive aid included the distribution of 50,000 food packages, ensuring that members of the Jewish communities received holiday provisions in the most dignified manner. In addition, dozens of communities received special shipments for Simchat Torah, which included festive flags and treat bags for the children.

In the nuclear city of Zaporizhzhia, community members gathered during the intermediate days to participate in the dedication of a new Torah scroll for the central synagogue, led by Chabad emissary Rabbi Nachum Ehrentreu. This Torah was dedicated to the protection and well-being of the Jews of Zaporizhzhia and the entire Ukraine. Hundreds of community members attended the festive procession and joined a festive meal in the central sukkah. Throughout the intermediate days, Simchat Beit HaShoeva celebrations, combined with festive meals, were held daily.

In Chernivtsi, the community celebrated a grand Simchat Beit HaShoeva at the historic synagogue of Rabbi Yisroel of Ruzhin in Sadigura. “It felt as if the Jews of Chernivtsi were reviving their heritage in this joyful gathering at the Kloiz (synagogue),” shared Rabbi Menachem Mendel Glitzenshtein, Chabad emissary and rabbi of the city.

In Zhytomyr, the community experienced Sukkot as a series of ongoing miracles. “Before Sukkot, we endured heavy rains and countless alarms,” shared Rabbi Shlomo Wilhelm, the Chief Rabbi of Western Ukraine. “But miraculously, from the moment Sukkot began, there was neither rain nor alarms. It was truly a peaceful and calm holiday—and may it continue, with G-d’s help.”

This period of calm drew local Jews to the synagogue and community events. “The community is in a state of awakening,” said Rabbi Wilhelm. “People of all ages are coming to the synagogue, enjoying the prayers and the joyful activities. Our large sukkah is open around the clock, and the holiday spirit is very present. Although our community has become smaller, we now fully appreciate that each Jew is a world unto themselves. Thank G-d, despite the challenges, our community remains vibrant and thriving.”

In Mykolaiv, this year’s Sukkot celebrations saw a remarkable phenomenon, as numerous Jews lined up to take the four species (lulav and etrog) blessings. “Despite intense shelling in the area, we organized Simchat Beit HaShoeva events every evening, drawing large crowds,” said Rabbi Shalom Gotlieb, Chabad emissary and rabbi of Mykolaiv. “We conducted special activities for elderly Jews, many of whom seldom leave their homes. We invited them to our sukkahs and brought them joy with various celebrations. For those unable to attend, we visited them, bringing baskets of holiday joy. Thank G-d, we experienced a very active and joyous holiday.”