Ukraine’s Jews prepare for war-marked Rosh Hashanah
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Chabad Ukraine and the Jewish Relief Network Ukraine (JRNU) are working to supply tens of thousands of Jewish people in Ukraine with holiday food kits ahead of Rosh Hashanah, despite ongoing Russian attacks.
Jewish communities throughout Ukraine are on alert as shelling intensifies, following recent strikes that killed dozens near Kyiv and forced families into shelters.
Recognizing the difficulties of importing goods during wartime, JRNU has focused on producing kosher food locally, establishing factories and kosher slaughter operations within Ukraine itself. These efforts include producing honey, meat, and poultry, as well as importing honey cakes from Israel and pastries from Zaporizhzhia. Informational pamphlets explaining the High Holy Days, translated into Ukrainian, accompany the food packages.
Despite the dangers, Jewish leaders anticipate record attendance at synagogues for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, as people seek connection and tradition. Rabbi Shlomo Salamon of Kremenchuk reported that drones recently fell near his home, highlighting the direct threat to community leaders. Residents in multiple cities, including Poltava and Cherkasy, are experiencing food shortages as stores close due to air raid alarms. However, community rabbis are determined to provide dignified holiday celebrations and strengthen communal solidarity through these aid efforts.
