Rabbi Zev M. Shandalov of Congregation KJBS sent us the following Good News item:
?On January 28, 2003 a group of Orthodox, Conservative and Reform rabbis took the first steps on a magnificent journey together. We gathered together to go on a mission to Kiev, Ukraine and to Israel. The mission was sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago and was led by myself and Rabbi Steve Mason. The goals of this trip were many. The unique feature of this trip was the make-up of the group. In very short order, this group of rabbis, with radically different backgrounds, formed a bond that, as we traveled, became of one mind with the goal of a successful mission. We did not see each other labeled by a stream of Judaism, but rather as a group of committed Jews with a purpose in mind.
?The presence of our Av Bet Din, Rabbi Schwartz, was a most significant factor in the success of this mission. His presence acted as the catalyst for members of all three branches of Judaism to coalesce into a solid group.
?Our trip to Kiev had two specific goals in mind. First, we were there to learn our Jewish history (both the recent 150 years and the history of 1,000 years ago). We walked through and learned so much about Kiev Jewry, Berditchev, Zhitomir and other communities in between. The history of all of these places seemed to talk to us as we proceeded. Rabbi Yehiel Poupko, our scholar-in-residence, made the history come to life. The second track of this part of the trip was to see the current Jewish community in Kiev. How far we have come! In a country where 25 years ago you would have been arrested for teaching Hebrew, Jewish day schools flourish. The teaching of Hebrew, Torah and Yiddishkeit has moved from the dark, clandestine basements to the brightly lit schools, which even receive some government money in support. All of those we visited were recipients of funds through the Joint Distribution Committee.
?Another amazing network that they have in Ukraine is something called Chessed. These are social welfare organizations that go way beyond any usual and customary organizations of their ilk. Besides providing meals, a soup kitchen, medical care and all ?round support, they also provide home visits for shut-ins, free repair of any small appliance, warm houses and spiritual assistance. The only requirement for this assistance is that you are Jewish. Again - how far we have come!?
....
?Leaving Ukraine for Israel was like going from a dimly lit corridor into a bright, shiny and sunny day! What a feeling to land on Israeli soil only three hours later.... It is heart-warming to drive the streets, visit the stores and walk into synagogues and see how life has remained fairly normal. We never felt unsafe even for one minute....
?[T]his mission has helped to unify Chicago Rabbis of various streams.... Everywhere we went we were greeted with smiles and appreciation. People who do visit are giving just as much encouragement as they are receiving. Israel is our spiritual mother. If your mother were (G-d forbid) ill, you would do anything in your power to help her, visit her and comfort her. There is no time like now to do this.... There are missions leaving all the time, there are people willing to help organize small, medium and large groups. Go as a family, go as a single, go as a group - just go and visit, please.
?We heard many times in Ukraine a similar thought: Let my people go - to Israel - and then let my people know - that you indeed care.?
?On January 28, 2003 a group of Orthodox, Conservative and Reform rabbis took the first steps on a magnificent journey together. We gathered together to go on a mission to Kiev, Ukraine and to Israel. The mission was sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago and was led by myself and Rabbi Steve Mason. The goals of this trip were many. The unique feature of this trip was the make-up of the group. In very short order, this group of rabbis, with radically different backgrounds, formed a bond that, as we traveled, became of one mind with the goal of a successful mission. We did not see each other labeled by a stream of Judaism, but rather as a group of committed Jews with a purpose in mind.
?The presence of our Av Bet Din, Rabbi Schwartz, was a most significant factor in the success of this mission. His presence acted as the catalyst for members of all three branches of Judaism to coalesce into a solid group.
?Our trip to Kiev had two specific goals in mind. First, we were there to learn our Jewish history (both the recent 150 years and the history of 1,000 years ago). We walked through and learned so much about Kiev Jewry, Berditchev, Zhitomir and other communities in between. The history of all of these places seemed to talk to us as we proceeded. Rabbi Yehiel Poupko, our scholar-in-residence, made the history come to life. The second track of this part of the trip was to see the current Jewish community in Kiev. How far we have come! In a country where 25 years ago you would have been arrested for teaching Hebrew, Jewish day schools flourish. The teaching of Hebrew, Torah and Yiddishkeit has moved from the dark, clandestine basements to the brightly lit schools, which even receive some government money in support. All of those we visited were recipients of funds through the Joint Distribution Committee.
?Another amazing network that they have in Ukraine is something called Chessed. These are social welfare organizations that go way beyond any usual and customary organizations of their ilk. Besides providing meals, a soup kitchen, medical care and all ?round support, they also provide home visits for shut-ins, free repair of any small appliance, warm houses and spiritual assistance. The only requirement for this assistance is that you are Jewish. Again - how far we have come!?
....
?Leaving Ukraine for Israel was like going from a dimly lit corridor into a bright, shiny and sunny day! What a feeling to land on Israeli soil only three hours later.... It is heart-warming to drive the streets, visit the stores and walk into synagogues and see how life has remained fairly normal. We never felt unsafe even for one minute....
?[T]his mission has helped to unify Chicago Rabbis of various streams.... Everywhere we went we were greeted with smiles and appreciation. People who do visit are giving just as much encouragement as they are receiving. Israel is our spiritual mother. If your mother were (G-d forbid) ill, you would do anything in your power to help her, visit her and comfort her. There is no time like now to do this.... There are missions leaving all the time, there are people willing to help organize small, medium and large groups. Go as a family, go as a single, go as a group - just go and visit, please.
?We heard many times in Ukraine a similar thought: Let my people go - to Israel - and then let my people know - that you indeed care.?