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In spite of continuing drone attacks, public readings of the Ten Commandments will be held at several locations throughout the city.

Chief Rabbi of Kyiv, Rabbi Yonatan Markovitch, who also serves as the Chief Rabbi of Ukraine’s prison service, arranged for Jewish inmates in prisons to receive special food packages with traditional dairy dishes for Shavuos, along with informative pamphlets about the Yom Tov and its customs. In addition, in preparation for the Yom Tov, Torah classes on the meaning of Shavuos in both aggadah and halachah were delivered in the prisons over the past week.

“Our preparations for the giving of the Torah, from the public reading of the Aseres Hadibros at various sites to our support for Jewish soldiers and inmates, reflect the solidarity and mutual responsibility that define the Jewish community,” said Rabbi Markovitch.  “We are showing that Torah and Jewish tradition are alive and present everywhere, in every situation, as we pray for a peaceful Yom Tov.”

As part of these preparations, the community did not forget Jewish soldiers serving on the front lines. Special Shavuos kits were sent to them, including explanatory booklets, festive ration packs for the Yom Tov meals, and cheesecake. At the same time, the Jewish community of Kyiv, under the leadership of Harav Markovitch, is distributing humanitarian aid packages to thousands of needy individuals, seniors, and those living alone ahead of the upcoming Yom Tov.