- May 27, 2025
- 2:33 pm
- Ukraine
During the Russian aggression, Ukrainian Jews are not giving up — 39,500 relief packages and mass readings of the Ten Commandments help preserve faith and traditions. Find out how preparations for Shavuot are taking place under the conditions of Putin’s Russian aggression.
In the midst of war: Ukrainian Jewry prepares for Shavuot
In the midst of the Russian summer aggression, Jewish communities in Ukraine are not giving up and continue to prepare for the holiday of Shavuot. Despite the intensification of attacks — just in the past few days Russia has transferred 50,000 soldiers towards Kharkiv, and 30 cities have been heavily bombarded — Jewish communities are finding the strength for holiday activities. This highlights the resilience and mutual support of the Jewish and Ukrainian peoples, united by a common history and future.
Preparing for Shavuot: assistance and care
According to Meir Stambler, Chairman of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine, told chabad_info on May 27, 2025, that this year, special attention is being given to helping children. He said:
“The relief package we distribute is aimed primarily at children, because they are the future of the people of Israel and the Jewish community in Ukraine.”
These are not just words: in recent days, special relief packages have been delivered to 39,500 Jewish households. They include:
- candles for Shabbat and holidays;
- illustrated brochures about Shavuot in Ukrainian;
- a sheet with the text of the Ten Commandments;
- traditional dairy sweets;
- hygiene items;
- and even coloring pages created especially for this holiday.
Unique project: translation of the Torah into Ukrainian
A special place in these relief packages is held by the sheet with the text of the Ten Commandments.
It was prepared as part of a unique project — the first complete translation of the Torah into Ukrainian.
This work involves not only Ukrainian rabbis but also professional linguists. It emphasizes the importance of cultural and spiritual revival, even in the harshest times.
Numbers and scale: assistance during wartime
The numbers are impressive:
| Indicator | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Number of relief packages | 39,500 |
| Number of synagogues holding readings | 40 |
| Expected number of participants | Thousands of people |
In addition, given the difficult humanitarian situation, communities have also received several tons of drinking water — a crucial contribution to sustaining life and health amid constant attacks.
Readings of the Ten Commandments: a focus on children
Shavuot is traditionally associated with the giving of the Torah. This year, mass readings of the Ten Commandments will take place in 40 synagogues across Ukraine. Special attention is given to children, as Rabbi Stambler emphasizes, because they must carry the light of the Torah further despite all challenges:
“These are the ones for whom the Torah was given, and these are the ones in whom we must invest all our efforts so that they continue to carry this great tradition.”
The important role of Israel and NAnews
These events resonate with the Jewish community in Israel and among Israelis of Ukrainian origin, who are anxiously following the events in Ukraine. NAnews – Israel News continues to cover the situation and report on the efforts of Ukrainian Jewish communities to preserve traditions and help those in need.
In the midst of Russian aggression, Rabbi Stambler sent his greetings to all Jews of the world:
“From here, from Ukraine, we wish our Jewish brothers around the world a happy Shavuot, and we pray and ask God, Blessed be He, that we will have the honor of celebrating this holiday of the giving of the Torah in the Third Temple and fulfilling the mission of ‘A New Torah shall go forth from Me’.”
Conclusion: hope and strength
Preparing for Shavuot is not just a ritual, but also a sign of the unwavering will of the Jewish communities of Ukraine and the entire people of Israel. It serves as a reminder: despite all the horrors of war, traditions and faith unite people and give them strength to move forward.
NAnews – Israel News continues to cover important topics for Ukrainian Jews and the entire Israeli community, emphasizing the deep ties between the two peoples. Ukrainian Jews remain a symbol of courage, and the holiday of Shavuot — a symbol of hope.
