On the Russian border in war-torn Ukraine, the Shluchim in Sumy, Rabbi Yechiel Shlomo and Rochi Levitansky uplifted their community this year by transforming their Shul and grand Purim Seudah with the theme of “Purim in Outer Space”.

Although in the past few weeks, there have unfortunately been numerous explosions in Sumy, it was wonderful to pause for a few hours, sing and celebrate together, and focus only on the good and happy things in our lives.

From a week before Purim, calls were made to every Yid in the city to confirm whether they would be able to come or if they needed to be visited at home. 

 The Shluchim with their children split into groups and spread out through the city, visiting the elderly and homebound all day, to fulfil the Mitzvos of the day with hot Seudas Purim lunch and beautiful Mishloach Monos packages which they exchanged, thanks to the Federation of Jewish communities in Ukraine

In addition, the Shluchim’s boys learning in Yeshivos in Europe made the 30-hour trip home to bring the mitzvos of Purim to the Yidden in the two neighboring cities of Konotop and Romny.

Towards evening, people began coming to the Shul for the grand Purim Seuda. Entering the building, they were greeted by the shluchim kids who helped them give Matonos l’evyonim in the two rocket ships and washed their hands for Hamotzi, making Brochos with each one.

As the program began, everyone exchanged Mishloach Monos with each other, which were generously provided by the Chabad JRNU.

The Megilla was read, and Rabbi Levitansky introduced the theme of the evening – “to learn more Torah and do more Mitzvos so that we are equipped to enter the era of Moshiach”. 

The children from the ‘Or Avner After-School Program’ performed a Purim skit for the crowd in Ukrainian and led the crowd in Purim songs.

A professional entertainer ran the evening, playing games with the adults and young alike, all bringing out the theme of the evening.  A fascinating ‘Bubble-fire show’ resembling comets and stars in outer space was a highlight.

The community felt strengthened with a firm belief and trust in Hashem and the coming of Moshiach, ushering in peace and tranquility for the entire world.

As the evening ended with the famous Kazatzka dance by the shluchim kids, the room was energized with a true Simcha, and many people stayed to continue farbrenging and made new Hachlatos to grow in their Yiddishkeit. 

Towards the end of the evening, the Shluchim organized for drivers to drive many community members home, before curfew began.

 Many thanks to all who helped make this Purim such a beautiful, successful event.