Passover is a holiday that brings generations together, reminding us of the indomitable spirit and the eternal journey from slavery to freedom. This year, a special atmosphere of unity prevailed in every corner of the Khmelnytskyi-based charity fund “Hesed Besht.” From major regional centers to the smallest villages—everywhere, one could feel the spirit of a shared holiday that erases borders and distances.
Preparations began long before the first star appeared. In communities across every city and village, volunteers and staff ensured that the symbol of Passover—matzah—reached every home. Special attention was given to clients with limited mobility and people living alone, because matzah is not only the “bread of poverty” but also a sign of sincere care. In Rivne, the distribution of matzah turned into a true celebration of community: people came not only for the packages but also to drink tea, taste smoothies, and take photos next to themed banners, feeling like they were part of the great story of the Exodus.
The holiday brought together people of all ages. In Lutsk, at the cozy “Warm House,” volunteers and elderly residents immersed themselves in culinary traditions, preparing modern matzo dishes and reminiscing about family recipes. This bond between generations grew even stronger during the festive Seders, where wise elderly clients and energetic young people from AjT gathered around the same table. Together, they raised four glasses of wine and read the Haggadah, realizing that the strength of our community lies in unity.
The children’s activities brought particular joy. The little ones learned to see the good in small things: in Rivne, the children made symbolic pyramids with wishes for the country, and after class, they performed their first important “mitzvah” - cleaning up the playgrounds. Meanwhile, in Kamianets-Podilskyi, women’s clubs created handmade cards, which they later gave to Seder participants at Day Centers -including victims of Nazism - warming their hearts with the warmth of handmade crafts.
Culinary workshops were the centerpiece of the celebration in Khmelnytskyi. Here, participants didn’t just cook; they mastered the art of preparing matzo dishes in strict accordance with kosher cooking traditions. But the real magic happened during the heartfelt gathering titled “The Passover of My Childhood.” The atmosphere was incredibly sincere and touching: guests immersed themselves in their own memories, sharing stories of how their parents preserved traditions during difficult times. They recalled with particular emotion how and where they obtained matzo—sometimes these were true secret adventures, filled with love and unwavering faith. These stories became a living bridge between the past and the present.
The foundation’s support extended far beyond in-person meetings. Thanks to the “Let’s Connect” program, participants were able to join online lectures. Together, they studied the laws of the Great Sabbath and the order of the festive meal, proving that digital screens are no obstacle to true spiritual closeness. Thus, each region took a confident step forward in preparation and brought the community closer to the light.
Passover 2026 reminded us once again that freedom begins within, and that the support of friends and loyalty to tradition make any journey easier. From the big city to the small village, we once again felt like one free family. Happy Passover!
