Finding Strength in Chaos: A Young Person's Journey Through Passover in Ukraine

In Ukraine, a 17-year-old is navigating life in a conflict zone. Poltava has been under siege for over three years. This means constant sirens, blackouts, and the ever-present threat of bombings. School has been disrupted, friends have left, and the community has lost over 130 people in the past year. The young person's daily worries include whether there will be a ceasefire, if their parents will keep their jobs, and if they will survive the next missile strike. Despite these challenges, the young person finds hope and strength in their Jewish community and the story of Passover. Passover is about more than just remembering the Israelites' journey from slavery to freedom. It is a reminder of true courage and freedom. True courage is knowing one's identity, and true freedom is helping others in their darkest hours. The young person's journey to embracing their Jewish identity was not straightforward. Their grandmothers were ashamed to discuss their Jewish roots due to the Holocaust and Soviet antisemitism. Even their father, who briefly engaged with the Jewish community, did not stay involved. However, the young person found a sense of bravery in joining Hesed, a local Jewish social service and community center. Hesed provides essential support to the community's neediest members, as well as cultural, educational, and Jewish programming.

At Hesed, the young person learned about tzedakah, the Jewish obligation to care for the needy. They developed a deep sense of responsibility for their community. The young person believes that if everyone did one small good deed daily, the world would be a better place. This principle guides their actions, as they join Jewish volunteers in their efforts. This Passover, the young person and their community visited homebound elderly, led Seders, and delivered matzah and food packages. In the former Soviet Union, many elderly Jews are isolated and rely on Hesed and volunteers for support. The young person found inspiration in the seniors' strength and positivity, adding their stories to the enduring narrative of their people's survival. The young person regularly volunteers with two elderly ladies, Olga and Lyudmila. They bring them food, arrange home repairs, and help with bills. Through these interactions, they share family histories, Jewish traditions, and stories about their careers. The young person sees them as part of their extended family, reminding them of their identity and their vision for the world. The story of the Israelites' exodus from Egypt resonates deeply with the young person. They think about the sick, elderly, and helpless women and children who were in the most danger. This reminder fuels their determination to help those in need, despite their own challenges. The young person believes that by performing acts of lovingkindness, they can liberate themselves and others from today's challenges.

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