From Around the World to New York: ‘Kedem’ Community Members Reunite for a Unity Shabbat

Over twenty former members of Kyiv’s ‘Kedem’ community, displaced in recent years due to the crisis in Ukraine, gathered in New York for a heartfelt Unity Shabbat with their longtime rabbi and Chabad emissary, Rabbi Pinchas Vishedski. The participants, now residing in various countries across Europe, the United States, and Israel, reunited to pray, study, and celebrate together at the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s synagogue and resting place.

The extended Shabbaton, which began on Thursday and concluded Sunday evening, included Torah classes, spirited Chassidic gatherings, outreach visits for tefillin laying, and uplifting Shabbat meals held in a warm and inspiring atmosphere. The group also toured the iconic 770 Eastern Parkway—home of the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s synagogue and library—and visited the Rebbe’s resting place at the Montefiore Cemetery in Queens.

“This extraordinary Shabbaton brought renewed vitality to participants who were once spiritually uplifted together in the ‘Kedem’ community,” said Rabbi Vishedski. “For many, it had been three years since they last saw one another. This reunion gave them the opportunity to reconnect, learn, share meals, and strengthen each other once more.”

Rabbi Vishedski expressed hope that more such gatherings will follow. “It was an uplifting and strengthening experience,” he noted. “With G-d’s help, we look forward to future trips involving many more men and women who were, and still feel, part of our proud community.”

He extended heartfelt thanks to the Meromim Foundation, led by Rabbi Bentzi Lipsker, for their support in making the journey possible and helping maintain the community’s global connections.

The trip reflects the ongoing dedication of Rabbi Vishedski and the ‘Kedem’ community to remain spiritually connected with its dispersed members throughout the year.