The Jews of Ukraine celebrated Yom Kippur in cities and towns across the country. The synagogues were full, with many newcomers joining those who have been coming for years.
The weeks of preparations was time well spent, as rabbis marveled at the record number of worshippers, with standing room only at many services. In Zaporizhzhya, JRNU's Rabbi Nachum Arntroy said, "The stream of followers was non-stop both night and day."
Unfortunately, in some cities the holiday did not bring even a moment's peace. Odessa suffered some of the worst damage of the crisis, while in Kyiv residents responded to warning sirens. The rabbis were determined that "the show must go on," and it did!
JRNU's Rabbi Abraham Wolff who serves as Chief Rabbi of Odessa, commented: "We experienced a crazy night of attacks, it was one of the hardest nights that we have gone through since the war broke out."
"But the whole synagogue was filled. There was simply no room to enter. Hundreds of the city's Jews flocked to prayers early despite the difficult situation. Among the worshipers were Jewish refugees from other cities who came to live in the city recently," he said.
We are grateful for the dedication of our rabbis, staff and volunteers, and to all our supporters around the world who made it possible for the Jews of Ukraine to celebrate this important holiday. Together we save lives and restore hope.
