In between sirens and bombs, a young couple was married recently, in Odessa, Ukraine. The bride, Menucha, was a resident of the Mishpacha Orphanage, while the groom, Shimom, is a graduate of the local Jewish school system (both institutions are supported by JRNU).
“The state of crisis here hasn’t ceased for a moment in the past two years,” said one of the city’s Jews. “To see a Jewish wedding, on the streets of the city, in such days – it’s so moving and gives hope for the future of Jewish life and continuity.”
Rabbi Avraham Wolff, the Chief Rabbi of Odessa, and his wife, Chaya Wolff, raised the bride since she was brought to their orphanage at age 5. It was especially meaningful for Rabbi Wolff to officiate the ceremony:
“Just as the voice of the groom and the voice of the bride are heard in the streets of shattered Odessa,” Rabbi Wolff said during the ceremony, “so may we merit to hear the voice of joy and the voice of celebration in the rebuilt Jerusalem!”
We hope and pray for more weddings to come, under more peaceful conditions.
With your help, we save lives and restore hope.
