It has been many years since the city of Mariupol has welcomed such a great number of high-ranking guests including many rabbis and other Jewish leaders coming to celebrate the consecration of a Torah scroll. Chief Rabbi of Ukraine and Head of the Rabbinical Court of Ukraine Azriel Chaikin, Chief Rabbi of Donbass Pinchas Vyshedsky, Chief Rabbi of Makeyevka Eliyahu Kremer, Rabbi Eliyahu Kirshner of Donetsk, representatives of the Israeli Embassy in Ukraine and a large delegation of Jewish community members of Donetsk shared the joy of the new Torah scroll for the first time in 80, or maybe even 100 years.

Symbolically, this event occurred on Ukraine�s Independence Day, since the resurrection of Ukraine�s Jewish life began with its independence from the former Soviet Union.

The festive procession passed through the city�s historical center, which had been home for many Jews and synagogues in the past. With an orchestra in the head of the procession, the new scroll was carried under the Chupa, like a bride. The honor of carrying it was given to the most honorable community members, who took turns to allow others share this unique opportunity. They were followed by many community members, including Jewish families of Mariupol, the children of the Tzivos Hashem Club, students, participants of the STARS program, other members of the Jewish congregation and journalists.

Having arrived in the Synagogue, each person had the chance to touch and to kiss the scroll: in such moment, they say, one can ask G-d for anything, and He will certainly fulfill the request. Then the ceremony of Hakafot began. Finally, the scroll has been put on its place in Aron Hakodesh and the participants headed to the House of Culture �Azovstal,� a spacious hall capable of seating all those participating in the festive gathering.

FJC