Continuing its annual tradition, STARS Ukraine, headed by Rabbi Pinchas Wishedsky, hosted for the tenth consecutive year a unique nine-day Passover retreat for over 40 Jewish students and young professionals from across the country in a luxury hotel in the capital city of Kyiv, despite the ongoing tension and this year’s logistical complexities.
The sought-after nine-day seminar enabled participants to observe Passover, together with peers and good friends, according to tradition and Jewish law, in an empowering and relaxing environment—something not always possible in their hometowns.
“Thanks to this amazing and dynamic seminar, I realized that Passover has such great meaning and also contemporary significance,” said Dasha, one of the participants. “Accompanied by Rabbi Pinchas Wishedsky, together with Rebbetzin Dina and their family, the entire holiday felt like a genuine family reunion.”
Participants enjoyed a Shabbaton prior to the holiday, high-profile Seder nights, joint prayers, lectures and classes, trips and attractions, Chassidic gatherings, musical concerts, and much more.
“It’s truly overwhelming to witness how in Ukraine there are so many young Jews seeking to observe Passover according to tradition. This is all thanks to the Chabad and community rabbis’ efforts throughout the year, carried out with great devotion,” explains Rabbi Wishedsky. “Observing Passover at home can be a delicate and complex issue—not to mention challenging and sometimes unaffordable. This is why we created the ‘Passover for Students’ initiative ten years ago, to accommodate every student who wishes to experience a kosher and meaningful Passover.”
The project was made possible thanks to JRNU, Chabad and FJC’s humanitarian arm in Ukraine, directed by Rabbi Shlomi Peles; FJC’s YAHAD youth organization directed by Rabbi Mendy Wilansky; and the dedication of Rabbi Avi Cassel from the global STARS organization, who stated, “It is a great merit for us at global STARS to enable our students to observe Passover properly—something that influences the entire year ahead.”
