As Ukraine braces for its third Rosh Hashanah under the shadow of war with Russia, the country’s Jewish communities are grappling with severe economic hardship.
Initially shaken by the outbreak of war, many Jewish communities managed to stabilize over time, thanks to the resourcefulness of local rabbis. However, the continued economic deterioration across Ukraine is now directly affecting Jewish life.
"The economic situation is dire," said Rabbi Shlomo Wilhelm, chief rabbi of Zhytomyr and Western Ukraine. "Inflation has skyrocketed on everything, from electricity bills to basic groceries. People are genuinely struggling to make ends meet. The general military draft has also caused a labor shortage, impacting living conditions throughout the country."
In Chernivtsi, in Western Ukraine, where the local Jewish community has grown due to an influx of Jews fleeing nearby cities, the economic toll is also being felt. "The economic situation is hitting the Jewish community hard," local leaders said. "Chernivtsi relies heavily on tourism, and the lack of visitors has significantly impacted life in the city."
The Jewish community in Zaporizhzhia, often referred to as the "nuclear city" due to its proximity to Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, has shown resilience despite the war.
"While the community was initially hit hard, we have managed to stabilize," said Rabbi Nachum Ehrentreu, Chabad emissary and chief rabbi of the city. "Before the war, people were ashamed to accept food or clothing assistance. Now, nearly everyone is in need of some form of help."
In Mykolaiv (Nikolaev), Rabbi Sholom Dovber Gottlieb described the Jewish community’s struggle to survive. "Sadly, many are without work," he said. "Countless jobs have disappeared, with factories and private businesses closing down. People are living hand to mouth."
In Kyiv, the nation’s capital, rising living costs have added to the difficulties. Rabbi Mordechai Levenhartz, leader of the Simcha community and Chabad emissary, noted that electricity prices have doubled, along with other basic goods. "Imports are coming through the port in Odesa, which is only partially operational," he said. "Many have lost their jobs, and with no flights and no tourism, the situation is bleak."
'No Jew goes hungry'
Facing severe economic hardship, Jewish community leaders in Ukraine have set an ambitious goal for Rosh Hashanah 5785: ensuring that no Jew in the country goes hungry. This aim was realized through an unprecedented humanitarian food distribution campaign organized by Chabad Ukraine (JRNU) and the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ), providing food packages to tens of thousands of Jewish families, along with special holiday gifts.
As fighting continues across the country, large trucks carrying aid made their way to Jewish communities scattered throughout Ukraine, offering critical support to thousands of families in need.
"We are about to enter the third Rosh Hashanah since the start of the unrelenting war," Chabad Ukraine representatives said. "This challenging reality has affected all Jews in the country throughout the year. We pray that the coming year will bring greater safety, calm, and peace, both in Ukraine and Israel."
Each food package included essential items for the holiday, allowing Jewish families to celebrate Rosh Hashanah with dignity. Additionally, festive gift boxes containing honey, cookies made in Ukraine under fire and a decorative calendar were delivered to every Jewish family.
"The past year has highlighted the shared fate of Jews around the world," said Yael Eckstein, president of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. "Despite the war in Israel, we remain dedicated to supporting our brothers and sisters in the former Soviet Union, ensuring they, too, can celebrate Rosh Hashanah with joy and hope."
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