As Purim approaches, we are preparing to bring the holiday to Ukraine like never before. For the third consecutive year, tens of thousands of Jews across the country will receive personal Mishloach Manot packages along with the opportunity to join community celebrations. While much of the world is focused on the politics surrounding the ongoing conflict, we are busy making final preparations for the grand Purim Campaign.
Each Mishloach Manot package we deliver includes a variety of pastries and sweets, a colorful grogger for the Megillah readings, and an informational booklet detailing the traditions and commandments of Purim. Local events are planned for Jewish communities throughout Ukraine.
“We have invited hundreds of people for the Megillah reading and Purim feast,” said Rabbi Nachum Ehrentreu of Zaporizhzhia. “We are preparing for a massive Mishloach Manot distribution, thanks to JRNU. Additionally, this year, the entire community is uniting under a single special group costume, with a carefully planned production.”
In the Jewish community of Kryvyi Rih, led by Chief Rabbi Eliran Edri, preparations are underway for a series of Purim celebrations that will engage hundreds of families.
In the capital city of Kyiv, celebrations will be held for all age groups. “On Thursday, we will hold a major event for the entire community,” shared Rabbi Simcha Levenhartz. “On Friday morning, we will host a grand event for the school children, followed by another for the elderly. The celebrations will also continue after Shabbat with the entire Jewish community.”
The tradition of sending gifts of food to friends and family on Purim (Mishloach Manot), serves as a powerful reminder that we are united as a people, despite our different locations and circumstances. As the rabbis, staff and volunteers set out to every city in Ukraine, carrying tens of thousands of Mishloach Manot packages, we hope that Ukrainian Jews will once again experience light and joy this Purim, with our heartfelt prayers for an end to the crisis and a lasting peace in the country.
Together we save lives and restore hope.
