Like Family: Menny’s 120 Sibiling Take Part in His Upshernish

Affectionately known as the “father of orphans in Ukraine,” Rabbi Avraham Wolff, Shliach and Chief Rabbi of Odessa, held a special upsherin for Menny, a three-year-old boy who has been lovingly raised in the orphanage over the past few years. As one big family, his 120 brothers and sisters at the orphanage happily joined in the celebration, dancing around him for several joyous minutes.

In the heart of Odessa, Ukraine, amidst the challenges of the ongoing conflict, a joyous celebration took place at the ‘Mishpacha’ Jewish orphanage. Menny, a three-year-old boy who has been lovingly raised in the orphanage over the past few years, marked a significant milestone with his upsherin.

The event was led by Rabbi Avraham Wolff, Chabad Shliach and Chief Rabbi of Odessa, affectionately known as the “father of orphans in Ukraine.” Rabbi Wolff began the ceremony by cutting Menny’s hair, a meaningful tradition symbolizing a child’s transition into learning Torah. Menny was surrounded by 120 brothers and sisters—fellow residents of the orphanage—who danced and celebrated alongside him.

The upsherin took place amidst constant attacks in Odessa, one of the cities most affected since the war began three years ago. For the children, many of whom regularly find themselves seeking shelter in the orphanage’s on-site bunker, the celebration was a sweet and uplifting moment.

Following the outbreak of the war, the children were evacuated to Germany in a dramatic and emotional rescue mission. Over the past year, they have returned to their expanded and renovated home in Odessa, where they continue to be cared for with love and dedication.

The orphanage, which has grown steadily in recent months, frequently welcomes new children—often those from the families of reservists, where mothers are unable to care for their children due to the strains of war.