A newly completed Torah scroll was celebrated this week in Dnipro, often referred to as the “capital of Jewish Ukraine,” before being donated to the Jewish community of Vinnytsia.

The Torah was dedicated in honor of “Igor ben Zoya,” referring to businessman and philanthropist Igor Kolomoisky, with prayers for his recovery, wellbeing, and long life. The dedication was made by his friends together with the Jewish community of Dnipro.

The ceremony took place at the Menorah Center, the world’s largest Jewish community center, and was emceed by Rabbi Moshe Weber. Addressing the gathering were Dnipro Chief Rabbi and Head Shliach Rabbi Shmuel Kaminezki, Vinnytsia Chief Rabbi and Shliach Rabbi Shaul Horowitz, and community leader Yitzchak Friedman, who spoke about the importance of supporting Jewish communities throughout Ukraine and strengthening Jewish unity.

Friends of Kolomoisky, a delegation from Vinnytsia, students of the Tomchei Temimim Yeshiva, and members of the Dnipro Yeshiva staff led by Rosh Yeshiva Rabbi Eliyahu Chafer attended the event. The Torah was written by Ukraine’s National Center for Torah Scribes under the direction of Rabbi Reuven Margolin, with many participants honored to inscribe letters in the scroll.

Following the completion ceremony, Rabbi Horowitz was honored with Hagbah, while Yitzchak Friedman dressed the Torah in its specially embroidered mantle and silver crown. The Torah was then carried beneath a chuppah through the Menorah Center and in a festive procession through Dnipro’s historic Jewish quarter to the city’s Golden Rose Synagogue, where the traditional Hakafos were held.

The Torah has now arrived in Vinnytsia, nearly 600 kilometers from Dnipro, where it will serve a thriving Jewish community led by Rabbi Horowitz. Since the outbreak of the war, the community has absorbed hundreds of Jewish refugee families, providing them with extensive humanitarian and spiritual support.

“For many years we had only one Torah scroll, making it difficult to accommodate the needs of our growing community, especially on Shabbos, Yom Tov, Rosh Chodesh, and fast days,” Rabbi Horowitz said. “When Rabbi Kaminezki heard about our situation, he immediately arranged for this extraordinary gift. We are deeply grateful. On Chai Elul we will celebrate the Torah’s official Hachnosas Sefer Torah with a large procession and orchestra. This Torah strengthens not only our synagogue, but also the special bond between the communities of Vinnytsia and Dnipro.”