At a time when the people of Ukraine are more fearful and anxious than ever, the Jewish community of Odessa came together to celebrate with Tuvia, the youngster who was deserted by his mother at the start of the conflict. Surrounded by the only family he has known, Rabbi Avraham and Chaya Wolff, along with his many “brothers,” Tuvia had his hair cut for the first time in an “Upsherin” ceremony.
In February 2022, a mother appeared on the doorstep of the Mishpacha Orphanage, and asked to leave her 3-day-old baby in their care: “I asked her if she wanted to stay a little longer, or at least say a proper goodbye, and she said ‘no,’” recalled one of the orphanage caregivers. “She turned around and left without giving us any information about herself or the little boy. He was left without a family—but now we are his family.”
Rabbi Wolff and his wife, the directors of the orphanage, decided to raise the baby as if he were their own son, with the orphanage’s large family, surrounded by love and care. The infant underwent a Brit Milah at eight days old, and was given the name “Tuvia,” after the late Rabbi Tuvia Peles, one of the prominent Chabad Hasidim. As Rabbi Wolff has noted many times, “From the moment he arrived here, Tuvia became everyone’s child. We are his family.”
In his earliest days of life, as the crisis in Ukraine was building, little Tuvia had many adventures. He and his “siblings” evacuated Odessa on a long bus trip to Germany. The entire orphanage along with many other members of the Odessa Jewish community spent more than a year in Berlin, safe from the rockets and missiles that were descending on their home city.
When they returned to Odessa, the orphanage children resumed their studies and various activities, amidst daily reminders of the ongoing crisis. This past week, just as new concerns arose regarding the conflict, the children were joined by members of the Jewish community in the joyful celebration of Tuvia’s birthday. His many “brothers” at the orphanage joyfully threw sweets at him, sang Jewish songs, and even cut his hair with scissors.
“Seeing Tuvia grow and develop, learn and progress—it is our greatest joy,” said Rabbi Wolff who serves as Chief Rabbi of Odessa. Igor Shadchin, head of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Southern Ukraine, summed up the significance of the moment: “Tuvia has touched all our hearts. He represents hope and optimism for us all. We all pray for peace and tranquility after three turbulent years.”
During times of darkness and despair it is more important than ever to find occasions to celebrate, creating moments of joy and happiness. We wish Tuvia a very happy birthday with many more to come! Mazel Tov!
Together we save lives and restore hope.
