Jewish Community in Ukraine Celebrates Shavuos In Shelters

By Hamodia Staff

Feverish preparations have been made in recent weeks by the Jewish community in Kyiv, headed by Chief Rabbi Moshe Assman, to celebrate Shavuos with the participation of regional Jews near the main synagogue ‘Brotsky’.

“Jews have given their lives throughout the generations for the holy Torah, we will not allow the Russians the pleasure of ruining the joy of the holiday of receiving the Torah,” said Rabbi Assman.

Following the heavy bombing of the city by Iranian drones, many of the city’s Jews were prevented from celebrating the holiday as usual, and thousands of them had to spend the holiday in shelters and protected areas instead of going to the synagogue.

Nevertheless, about one hundred and fifty Jews arrived at ‘Barotsky’ shul where an all-night Torah study was held in the shelter of the synagogue, with the thunderous explosions breaking the sound of the Torah from time to time.

Krias haTorah took place throughout the day in the shul alongside special programs for children, divrei Torah and seudos under the supervision of the ‘Chief Rabbi of Ukraine’.

Thousands of food baskets were distributed to local residents, and in honor of Yom Tov, various dairy products were also added to the basket.