Modern Community

Photo courtesy of Marsh Pamyati, Kyiv

Following the Holocaust, the Bila Tserkva Jewish community was rebuilt. Today, the Jewish community, known as “Mitsva” has more than a thousand members. Individuals are involved in numerous activities pertaining to Jewish religion and culture. This includes not only the organization of holiday celebrations but also theatrical and musical events. The Mitsva-613 complex educates almost 200 students about Jewish and non-Jewish subjects, while other activities are aimed at educating adults.

The Mitsva community embodies the concept of tikkun olam, or "repairing the world." Regular programs provide assistance to community members in need, including hot meals, humanitarian aid, and boarding. The community actively works to honor the memories of those who perished in the Holocaust and pogroms, commemorating Holocaust Remembrance Day and maintaining the Jewish cemetery. Mitsva also initiates intercultural dialog with other religious and ethnic communities to strengthen mutual understanding and cooperation.

Several influential members of the Mitsva community conduct research, work with archives, and publish books about the Jewish heritage of the city. Guided tours of the Jewish Bila Tserkva are being developed as well. There is also a Chabad of Bila Tserkva.

Following the onset of the Russia's full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, the Mitsva community has been helping internally displaced persons and has created shelters for several hundred Jews. The community also oversaw the evacuation of 86 people to Israel. Displaced families from the most affected areas of Ukraine (Mariupol, Kherson, Mykolaiv, Berdiansk, Bakhmut) were welcomed into the community with open arms. The community regularly provides chevrons and kippahs to the frontline.

Photos kindly provided by the Bila Tservka Jewish community (Mitsva)