It’s a busy time of year in the Jewish communities, all across Ukraine. Children are adjusting to being back in school. Thousands of kids returned to the classrooms, wearing new clothes and new backpacks, eager to reunite with friends and teachers. We hope that by next year, those who are learning remotely will join their peers at the school buildings. Professional trainings and workshops are scheduled to provide ongoing support for the dedicated teachers and staff who face a variety of mental health issues among their students and themselves. Programs are offered for parents and children as well, to address the trauma, stress and anxiety resulting from more than 19 months of the ongoing crises.
Preparations for the high holidays are nearly complete, at the synagogues and community centers, and for families everywhere. Truckloads of supplies were delivered to more than 35 different communities, with food, ceremonial items and special gifts for more than 50,000 people! In addition to the gift boxes for Rosh Hashanah (filled with honey, cookies, calendars, and more) and Sukkot (containing the four species: lulav (palm branch), hadas (myrtle), arava (willow) and etrog (citron)), families received food packages with pasta, rice and other staples. Each community received large amounts of chicken, meat, milk, cheese, butter, mayonnaise and ketchup…almost 35 tons in all! Communal meals will be hosted at synagogues and community centers, welcoming thousands of people to celebrate the New Year.
The rabbis, staff and volunteers in Ukraine won’t rest until just before the candles are lit on Friday evening. The humanitarian aid we provide each and every day is just part of what we do to save lives and restore hope for the people of Ukraine.
