Jewish Center in Transdniestria

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🕯 The whole community is getting ready for Shabbat! Today, our volunteers baked fragrant challahs, observing all the traditions – they cut off a piece of dough, recited a prayer, and with special reverence said, "This is challah." The challahs get better every time – their experience grows, their hands become more confident, and the dough becomes more manageable. 😊 Special thanks to Alik Aleksandrovich Vorobyov for the advice on adding starch – the challahs turned out especially soft and airy! Alik Aleksandrovich not only receives challahs for Shabbat, but also helps with delivery in his area. This is how, together and with love, we prepare for Shabbat: 🤍 some help with groceries, 🤍 some deliver challahs to those who are difficult to leave the house, 🤍 some offer kind words of support. Every bite contains the warmth of hands and the care of our entire community. Shabbat shalom! ✨ For more information about the event, see 👉https://vox.jct.md/gotovimsya-k-shabbatu-vsey-obshchinoy #RVC #JDC Volunteer Center RVC

✡️ Shabbat Shalom! שבת שלום 🕓 In Transnistria 🕯️ Candle Lighting: 5:46 PM Shabbat of the Month Chapter Vayakhgel-Pekudei Shabbat Mevarchim New Moon Nissan Havdalah: 6:50 PM ✅ This chapter tells how the people of Israel together build the Sanctuary—a place where one can feel the presence of God. Everyone contributes—with their work, their hands, their hearts. The wisdom here is that holiness is born from the unity and participation of all, not just from prayer. Even far from religion, this story reminds us: the values of community, honest work, and beauty for the sake of good remain eternal. Thus ends the Book of Exodus—a symbol of order, light, and a new beginning before the spring month of Nissan. ❤️ We wish everyone a peaceful, quiet, and blessed Shabbat! Let there be peace in your souls and lightness in your hearts.

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The Tiraspol Hesed celebrated Purim, one of the most joyful and beloved holidays of the Jewish calendar, commemorating the miraculous salvation of the Jews from extermination in the Persian Empire. Hesed clients and community members were able to participate in festive events and observe the main mitzvot of Purim, gathering together in an atmosphere of friendship and tradition. On March 3, the Tiraspol Hesed held a festive gathering, during which, together with Rabbi Mendel Gotzel of Bender, participants read the Scroll of Esther. During the reading, following ancient tradition, those gathered enthusiastically rattled their rattles at the mention of the name of the wicked Haman. Other important mitzvot of the holiday were also observed: participants exchanged traditional gifts with friends—mishloach manot—and provided charitable assistance—giving alms to those in need—an integral part of the holiday and a reminder of the importance of mutual support and compassion in the community. The meeting continued with a warm tea party, during which participants enjoyed a traditional Purim delicacy—omentashen (gomentashen), shared impressions, and socialized in a friendly atmosphere. The festivities continued on March 6, when the Hesed hosted a joyful Purim meal. Guests came in bright costumes and eagerly participated in the fun dress-up, a beloved tradition of this holiday. At the festive table, participants enjoyed a variety of treats, songs, laughter, and music. The Purim celebration at the Tiraspol Hesed was warm, heartfelt, and truly festive. Such gatherings not only help preserve rich Jewish traditions but also strengthen ties between community members.

Two Jewish women, Clara Zetkin and Rosa Luxemburg, were at the origins of International Women's Day. It was Clara Zetkin who proposed establishing a day dedicated to women's struggle for equal rights in 1910, and Rosa Luxemburg actively supported and promoted these ideas. Today, March 8th is a holiday of spring, flowers, and warm words for many, but its history began with ideas about equal rights and opportunities for women. We congratulate all women on this day! May your lives be filled with more joy, respect, inspiration, and the strength to change the world for the better. 🌷

✡️ Shabbat Shalom! שבת שלום 🕓 In Transnistria 🕯️ Candle Lighting: 5:36 PM Shabbat Parah Chapter Ki Tisa Havdalah: 6:40 PM ✅ Chapter Ki Tisa tells of the census, the creation of vessels for the Temple, and the tragedy of the golden calf—when the people lost faith and made an idol. Moshe (Moses) prays for them, and God forgives, opening the way to renewing the covenant. This story reminds us that a mistake is not the end of the road if there is sincere repentance. Even in decline, a person is able to begin again. Shabbat Parah adds the theme of purification—of inner honesty and the willingness to renew oneself. ❤️ We wish everyone a peaceful, quiet, and blessed Shabbat! May your souls be calm and your hearts light.

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🥖✨ Let's learn how to weave challah together! Hesed held a challah-weaving workshop for teenagers from AJT. For many of the kids, this was their first experience working with dough—and it turned out to be very interesting! The kids learned: 👩‍🍳 what challah dough should be like 👩‍🍳 how to determine the right consistency 👩‍🍳 how to knead the dough to the right consistency. The most difficult, but also most exciting part was weaving the challah. Each participant prepared four strands of dough, which, under the careful guidance of volunteers, produced beautiful and neat challahs. 🙌 When the baked goods went into the oven, the aroma of fresh bread filled the entire Hesed and even extended beyond its walls. 🤍 Now, having gained practical experience, the children will be able to assist volunteers in baking challahs for our wards, participating in a kind and important cause. Thank you to our volunteers for passing on their knowledge and traditions, and to the teenagers for their desire to help. 💙✨ For more information, see 👉 https://vox.jct.md/master-klass-po-pleteniyu-khal-dlya-podrostkov-ajt Volunteer Center RVC #rvc #jdc

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🌸 Spring has arrived at Hesed! With the first snowdrops, we held a master class for the Martisor holiday. Our elderly participants enjoyed creating red and white symbols of spring, reminiscing about legends, and sharing memories. Such gatherings not only help us create, but also connect, support each other, and preserve our traditions. Red and white decorations are worn throughout March and then hung on a fruit tree—with hope for a good year. 💛 Thank you to the volunteers for their creativity! Learn more about the event: https://vox.jct.md/vesna-v-khesede-vremya-tepla-traditsiy-i-edinstva #RVC Volunteer Center RVC

🎭 A vibrant and heartfelt event dedicated to the holiday of Purim was held in Rybnitsa. The events happening in the world deeply touch our hearts, but we honor Jewish traditions and strive to preserve the joy of the holidays even in difficult times. Before the meeting, a prayer was said for soldiers and ordinary people—for those who protect peace and for all who now especially need support. Our wards enthusiastically crafted holiday masks, shared smiles, socialized, and rejoiced. Purim is a holiday of light, joy, and unity, and it is moments like these that bring warmth, a sense of care, and true community. Thank you to everyone who was with us and helped create this day full of joy, creativity, and support! 💛

🎭 For Purim, our community held a kind campaign, "Bring Joy!"! 💝 Seniors responded warmly and brought sweet gifts for children from large families: candies, cookies, marshmallows, gingerbread, tea, and rolls. 🎁 Volunteers created large holiday packages that each family received. Sweets were also given to children attending events at Hesed as part of the AJT children's club. ✨ Purim is a holiday of joy, generosity, and the tradition of mishloach manot. 🤝 The connection between generations and caring for each other make our community truly strong! For more information, see 👉https://vox.jct.md/aktsiya-k-purimu-prinesi-radost-teplo-traditsiy-i-svyaz-pokoleniy #RVC Volunteer Center RVC

❤️ Dear members of our community! This year, we celebrate Purim with a special feeling. At a time when there is so much anxiety, pain, and uncertainty in the world, the story of Purim resonates especially vividly and relatably. It reminds us that even in the darkest times, fate can change, that the strength of a nation lies in its unity, and that miracles often come quietly, through human courage, faithfulness, and caring for one another. ☮️ We especially pray for peace, for safety, and that everyone who awaits good news today will surely hear it. 🔥 May this Purim bring to your homes a light that never goes out, a warmth that is independent of circumstances, and the confidence that together we can overcome any challenge. Chag Purim Sameach! 😀

http://vox.jct.md

Purim - The Festival of Joy and Salvation

VOX: An online magazine about life, people, culture, and the Jewish community. Jewish communities of Transnistria:…

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🎭A sweet and fragrant master class dedicated to the upcoming holiday of Purim was held at the AJT Junior children's club! Under the watchful eye of an experienced volunteer cook from the community, the children prepared homantashen (Oman's Ears, Hamantashen)—a traditional triangular Purim treat. 🎊 The work was in full swing! Some painstakingly rolled out the dough, while others carefully arranged the fragrant fillings—poppy seed and nut jam. Laughter, concentration, and anticipation of the result reigned in the kitchen. The result was a whole table of festive baked goods, filled with children's love, diligence, and the warmth of little hands. 🎭And at the end—the best part: tasting their own culinary masterpieces and a fun photo shoot! Everyone had a delicious meal and a Purim-like joy! 🎉✨ #jdc #AJTTIR #purim #omentashen

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🥖✨ Second bake – even more warmth! As part of the "Food Security" project, our volunteers have already baked over 50 challahs 🙌 The fragrant pastries have delighted their clients in the following cities: 📍 Bender 📍 Rybnitsa 📍 Tiraspol. Our wonderful volunteers are ordinary women who have never baked on such a large scale or braided challahs before. But with each passing day, they gain more and more confidence 💪 and perfect their traditional braiding technique. After baking, the challah was passed on to the older generation of our community. 🤍 For the elderly, this is more than just Shabbat bread—it's a sign of attention, care, and a reminder that they are not alone. 🕯️ Thank you to our volunteers for the warmth of their hands and hearts. 💙 The project continues—and together we make the world a little kinder. ✨ If you feel the strength and desire, join us, let's do good deeds together! For more information, see 👉https://vox.jct.md/teplo-shabbata-v-kazhdoy-khale-vtoraya-vipechka-proekta-food-security #RVC Volunteer Center RVC

✨ In February, the online project "Literary Living Room" brought together over 100 participants from all over Transnistria. Guests included Larisa Viktorovna Ladyka, author of landscape, love, and philosophical poetry 📖, and Sergei Nikolaevich Galushkin, winner of the Grushinsky Festival, who performed his songs with a guitar 🎸 As per tradition, our volunteer Valery Kupershmidt introduced the guests. Poetry and live music created a warm atmosphere, and for our older participants, such meetings are an opportunity for communication, inspiration, and unity, even online. 🤍 For more information about the event, see 👉https://vox.jct.md/literaturnaya-gostinaya-fevralskaya-vsrecha-sogrevshaya-serdtsa A recording of the event is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpLPaV7vNdg #RVC Volunteer Center RVC

✡️ Shabbat Shalom! שבת שלום 🕓 In Transnistria 🕯️ Candle lighting: 17:25 Shabbat Zachor Parshat Tetzaveh Havdalah: 18:31 Fast begins: 05:10 Fast of Esther ✅ Parshat Tetzaveh talks about priests and their role—to be mediators of light and peace between people and the Creator. We are commanded to light pure oil in the lamp—a reminder that our inner flame also requires care. The vestments of the high priest symbolize responsibility for the people and mindfulness of actions. This parshat teaches that the beauty of service lies in intention, purity, and the light we bring into the lives of others. Especially before the holiday of Purim—a reminder that even in weekdays it is important to preserve our inner light. ❤️ We wish everyone a peaceful, quiet, and blessed Shabbat! Let there be peace in your souls and lightness in your hearts.

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🎭 The AJT Junior children's club hosted a vibrant meeting dedicated to the upcoming holiday of Purim! ✡️The children reminisced about the history of the holiday, discussed its main characters and symbols, and recalled the traditions and commandments of Purim—reading the Scroll of Esther, giving gifts to friends, helping those in need, and, of course, the joyful atmosphere that makes this day special. 🤡At the end of the meeting, everyone delved into creativity and made fun and vibrant crafts filled with laughter, imagination, and a true holiday spirit. Purim is just around the corner—and AJT Junior is eagerly awaiting it! 🎉✨ #jdc #Hesedclub #purim

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✨ We held an online meeting dedicated to February 23rd—Defender of the Fatherland Day. Participants reminisced about the holiday's history, discussed its meaning throughout the years, and how its sound has changed over time. 🎶 War songs—the very ones that supported, inspired, and helped us believe in the best—took a special place. Many sang along to familiar melodies and shared personal memories. 📖 Touching poems about courage, loyalty, and love for the Motherland were recited. 💬 Sincere words of gratitude and congratulations were addressed to the men. Such meetings are not just an event, but a living connection between generations, heartfelt memories, and warm communication, despite the distance. ❤️ #RVC Volunteer Center RVC

✡️ Shabbat Shalom! שבת שלום 🕓 In Transnistria 🕯️ Candle Lighting: 17:15 Parshat Terumah Havdalah: 18:21 ✅ Parshat Terumah tells how God commands us to build a portable sanctuary—a place where people can feel His presence. Everyone should make their voluntary contribution, as much as their heart desires. This teaches us that holiness is born from shared, sincere participation. Even simple materials—wood, fabric, metal—become sacred when the soul is invested. Today, this is a reminder: any task can become a temple of kindness and meaning if done with heart. ❤️ We wish everyone a peaceful, quiet, and blessed Shabbat! May your souls be calm and your hearts light.

A fascinating painting workshop was held in Rybnitsa. Participants enthusiastically and diligently mastered painting techniques, creating an image of Challah, the traditional symbol of Shabbat. The event was held in a warm atmosphere, and each participant had the opportunity to express their creative talents. Thank you all for participating!

A Shabbat celebration was held in the city of Rybnitsa, organized jointly with the Rybnitsa Jewish Community. Participants gathered to celebrate this bright day, light candles, and share an atmosphere of peace and joy. Special attention was paid to traditional challah, which everyone was able to sample and discuss its significance in celebrating Shabbat. The event was a warm gathering where everyone felt a spiritual connection to traditions and enjoyed a moment of unity and harmony.

✡️ Shabbat Shalom! שבת שלום 🕓 In Transnistria 🕯️ Candle lighting: 5:04 PM Shabbat Shkalim Chapter Mishpatim Shabbat mevarchim New Month of Adar Havdalah: 6:11 PM New Month of Adar ✅ Chapter "Mishpatim" tells about the first laws that the people receive after the Ten Commandments. These are not great ideals, but rules for life—how to treat other people, property, the weak and the poor. The meaning is that spirituality is expressed not only in prayer, but also in justice and compassion. Humanity here becomes a form of service. "Shabbat Shkalim" reminds that every person in the community is equal and important. And the approaching month of Adar calls us to rejoice and see the good even in everyday life. ❤️ We wish everyone a peaceful, quiet, and blessed Saturday! May your souls be calm and your hearts light.