Simchat Torah 2025: Joy, Resilience, and Unity Across Ukraine’s Jewish Communities

This year, Jewish communities in eight Ukrainian cities — Kyiv, Poltava, Myrhorod, Cherkasy, Odesa, Lutsk, Rivne, and Kamianets-Podilskyi — celebrated Simchat Torah with the support of Project Kesher Ukraine, bringing moments of joy and unity despite wartime challenges.

Some communities, including Shostka and Kharkiv, were unable to gather due to shelling and blackouts, yet the spirit of the holiday resonated across the country. Each city marked the day in its own way: in Rivne, participants created pomegranate-shaped reyzele (Jewish papercuttings) symbolizing abundance; in Cherkasy, families joined for songs and prayer; in Odesa, mothers and daughters approached the Torah together in a moving moment of generational connection.

In Kyiv, young people from Hillel and Atikva communities celebrated with music, dance, and a shared Torah Scroll, embodying the resilience and light of Jewish life in Ukraine.

Amid war and uncertainty, these celebrations reminded participants that the Torah — a symbol of life, joy, and continuity — remains a source of strength and hope for Jewish communities across Ukraine.