Over the past 20 years, Rabbi Mendy and Pnina Glitzenstein built a thriving Jewish community in Chernivtsi, with a synagogue, a Jewish day school, programs for the young and the old, and a kosher restaurant in the center or town. Recently, many Jews who fled their homes as a result of the war in other parts of Ukraine, found refuge in Chernivtsi, which has remained relatively safe throughout the war. Rabbi Mendy and Pnina Glitzenstein, needed help:
“Thankfully, the war has largely bypassed Chernivtsi,” Glitzenstein notes. “Our community hasn't seen the same exodus as many of our neighbors and on the contrary; it’s flourished. As Jews from all over Ukraine sought sanctuary here, our establishments expanded. This increased the urgency for the need for more emissaries here.”
Miraculously, a young rabbi and his wife decided to move to Chernivtsi to serve the community. Rabbi Mendy Halperin, from Kfar Chabad, Israel, and Mushky who grew up in Latvia, together with their 4-month-old son, Ari, crossed the border from Moldova into Ukraine — arriving in their new hometown the same day.
The timing could not be better as the community is preparing to celebrate the high holidays. This year they expect more than 500 people to join the Rosh Hashanah celebration.
“I know it sounds crazy for a young couple to move to Ukraine in the middle of a war,” adds Rabbi Halperin, “but we’re not here for adventure. We’re here because we wanted the privilege of working for the Jews of Chernivitsi"
The dedication and personal sacrifice of the rabbis, staff and volunteers all across Ukraine is remarkable, as they work tirelessly to support those in need. With your help we continue to save lives and restore hope.
Based on an article by Chabad.org | Photo: Rabbi Mendy and Mushky Halperin
