Just before the Iranian rockets and missiles started falling, several boys from Ukraine celebrated their Bar Mitzvah in Ashkelon, Israel. The event was hosted the Alumim Children's Home, supported by JRNU, that temporarily relocated from Zhytomyr to Israel immediately after the crisis began in Ukraine. Rabbi Shlomo Wilhelm, head of the orphanage and Chief Rabbi of Zhytomyr, commented on the boys’ progress, three years after the trauma of fleeing their country: "Seeing them here, speaking Hebrew, feeling at home and joyful—it’s nothing short of a miracle." Rabbi Wilhelm and the staff of the Children's Home worked tirelessly to create a wonderful Bar Mitzvah celebration; three of the boys were from Alumim, and two others joined the relocated Zhytomyr community after they settled in Ashkelon. The event also marked the third anniversary of the community arriving in Israel, following their harrowing escape from the war. The children crossed borders under live fire, some without official documents, and made it to Israel where they received a warm welcome from government officials at the airport. Once in Israel, the Zhytomyr community faced additional challenges. They initially settled in Nes Harim, but relocated to Ashkelon when it became apparent that they would have to remain in Israel for more than a few weeks. Over the past three years, the children have integrated into local schools and families have become part of the local community. The emotional event brought together public officials, local residents, and members of the community: “Every child has a story, a whole world,” said Rabbi Wilhelm, who splits his time between Ukraine and Israel to support his dispersed community. “Seeing them celebrate their Bar Mitzvah here is beyond moving.” Read more: www.jrnu.org/news/celebration-for-alumim-orphanage-boys (fb)

Please help us compile a book of recipes for delicious foods that were eaten by our parents, grandparents, and/or great grandparents when they lived in “the old country,” today's Ukraine. We are in need of appetizers, entrees and desserts. We encourage you to include a note about the source of the recipe, or a person in whose memory or honor the recipe is submitted. The more history we can capture in the book, the better. Once complete, the digital book will be sent to those who request a copy, providing a lasting connection to the Jewish communities in Ukraine, past and present. (See sample https://www.canva.com/design/DAGqPfHnD4c/sztK8IW-tJqD9C4IUZIuMQ/edit?utm_content=DAGqPfHnD4c&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton) All donations received in support of this project will directly support the Jews of Ukraine. http://www.jrnu.org/donate-cookbook Join our efforts here: https://forms.gle/MBBn16HNo33bTc4Q6 (fb)