A reporter asked Rabbi Moshe Moskovitz whether, after five years of war, the Kharkov Jewish Community had scaled back its celebrations and become smaller.

“On the contrary,” Rabbi Moskovitz replied. “Before the war, we had a small sukkah on the side of the shul. Today, we have a 120-square-meter sukkah that can accommodate hundreds of people. Especially now, more than ever, we need to come together, unite, and celebrate as a community.”

And that is exactly what happened this Sukkos. Hundreds of members of the Kharkov Jewish Community gathered to shake the lulav and etrog and celebrate together.

Kharkov Mayor Igor Terekhov joined the celebration and thanked Rabbi Moskovitz and the Jewish community for their continued efforts to support those in need throughout the war.

The celebration reached a high point when Roman, a Jewish soldier serving on the frontlines, joined a spectacular drum and percussion performance. His music lifted the spirits of the crowd, with children and adults alike enjoying the energetic performance.

One after another, community members shook the lulav and etrog and streamed into the sukkah to continue the celebration together.

For the Kharkov Jewish Community, Sukkos was a celebration of Jewish life, unity, and the strength that comes from being together. Even in difficult times, the community continues to grow, celebrate, and bring Jewish joy to Kharkov.