A definite sign of success for the ‘Mezuzah for Every Home’ program, the Jewish community of Dnepropetrovsk has just launched the third phase of this initiative. The first phase targeted the elderly, including pensioners and veterans, while the second was aimed at children from impoverished families, many of whom attend the educational institutions run by the community.

This third stage will involve 200 local families who are interested in this tradition but, for one reason or another, are not financially well-off enough to purchase a Mezuzah for their own home. “Most beneficiaries to date find themselves in this position. It is rather expensive, since it involves many hours of detailed handwork,” explained Jewish community Director Vyacheslav Brez. “All 410 Mezuzahs that have been installed in Jewish homes through this program were prepared by the National Soifer Center in Dnepropetrovsk”.

Over the next two weeks, students at the ‘Nachlas Levi’ Yeshiva, community volunteers and staff will be making house calls to speak with recipients about the importance of this Mitzvah, before finally leading a small ceremony to affix the Mezuzah at the entrance to their respective homes.

“The entire Dnepropetrovsk Jewish community is very grateful to the sponsor of this project, who has asked that his name not be published. A much respected member of our community, this initiative would not have been possible at all if it were not for his invaluable support,” remarked Vyacheslav Brez. “This giving individual has repeatedly assisted our community and we would like to wish all the best to him and his family”.

It is projects such as this that has made the Jewish community of Dnepropetrovsk a landmark for Jewish life of Ukraine. Today, it is also a dynamic member of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine.