May 30, 2003
My First
Shabbat in Kiev
I had
the opportunity to attend services at B’nei Tikvah congregation, affiliated
with the Union of Progressive Jewish Communities of Ukraine. The community was welcoming, the service was
familiar, and I experienced the sensation of being far away from home yet right
at home at the same time.
I walked
into an office that happens to be about a block from the Peace Corps
office. One room is used as the sanctuary. It has a beautiful wooden ark
in one corner, and folding chairs for the congregants. I arrived on time,
a few minutes before the 7 p.m. start time. As people trickled in, I said
Shabbat Shalom, or greeted them in Russian. About ten past seven, the Rabbi
(Alexander Duchovony) walked in, shook my hand, and found out who I was and
what I was doing there. The service began with Yedid Nefesh, accompanied by
guitar.
The service
continued in song and in Hebrew. There
were a few spoken prayers in Russian. I
was moved almost to the point of tears.
Being in Ukraine, and in Kiev, is to be in a place where Jews have a
long history. Ukraine has produced many
individuals and institutions to be proud of, but also many dark moments of
persecution, hate, and murder. The fact
that I can experience a living, progressive community and participate in a
Kabbalat Shabbat really demonstrates the power of continuity and renewal. And Shabbat is only the beginning. B’nei
Tikvah hosts a Sunday school and a full year of holiday observance and
education. And, there is a wider
community in Kiev including an Orthodox community and an active Hillel. The Rabbi was kind enough to introduce me to
the community during the service, and to say a Shechechyanu in my honor. I truly experienced a “first moment” I can be
proud of and cherish for a lifetime.
I returned
for the Torah service Saturday morning.
And, I have
two years to continue to get to know the community and participate in Jewish
life here. Wow!