Bar Mitzvah Shows Dedication of Jewish Orphanage in Ukraine

A recent Bar Mitzvah celebration held in Odesa, Ukraine, highlighted the dedicated service that the Jewish communities and Chabad emissaries are providing local Jews amidst the crisis.

The Bar Mitzvah boy hails from Almaty, Kazakhstan, where he was cared for by the local Rabbi Elchanan and Leah Cohen.

At the age of 6, he was sent to FJC and Chabad’s Mishpacha orphanage in Odessa, under the care of Rabbi Avraham and Chaya Wolff. There he was raised alongside other children with much love and care.

He traveled with the orphanage when they were evacuated due to the situation and returned to Odesa when it became more safe.

Now, at the age of 13, the boy washed his hands and cut a large challah, distributing a piece to all participants.

The event began with the reading of the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s letter to Bar Mitzvah boys. The Bar Mitzvah boy then recited the Chassidic discourse which speaks about the virtue of the mitzvah of Tefillin.

“We saw the Bar Mitzvah boy sitting in the front row of the synagogue, fluently and clearly reciting the discourse, and the entire crowd respectfully listening in silence and admiration,” commented Rabbi Cohen.

Each stage of the event was moving and uplifting for all participants. Rabbi Mendy and Mushka Wolff invested great thought and special attention in caring for every detail. Everything was arranged and decorated personally, including stickers with the boy’s picture and birthday wishes on the drink bottles.

It was a Bar Mitzvah celebration that illustrated the sweet fruits of the orphanage and the significant investment of the Wolf family, who dedicate themselves to each child individually and uniquely.

“This special celebration is another step in the development of Jewish life in Odesa, a city that has endured many missiles and shelling for over two years,” concluded Mr. Igor Shtehin, Chairman of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Southern Ukraine.