Every Friday, as part of the "Shabbat Guest" project, volunteers from Hesed Nefesh in Poltava visit elderly people, light candles together, observe the stages of Shabbat, and engage in conversation.

Older adults happily share stories of their lives, show old photographs, and talk about the past, the development of the community, and the traditions passed down from generation to generation.

These meetings not only help preserve traditions but also strengthen the bonds between generations, fostering a sense of unity and mutual respect within the community. Volunteers say that each visit becomes special for them: it's an opportunity to meet a new person, to uncover another page of Jewish history, which forms the living memory of the community.

"Every Shabbat is a moment of warmth, comfort, and support. We are genuinely happy to be part of these meetings and to give the elderly members of the community a sense of belonging to the great Jewish family. These moments inspire us to continue our mission, uniting hearts and supporting one another even in the most challenging times," share the volunteers.