Suburban Jews begin Passover with Ukraine in their hearts

  • Chaikie Kotlarsky, wife of Rabbi Yaakov Kotlarsky of Chabad of Arlington Heights, and their daughters Rochel, 4, Rivka, 2, and Devorah Leah, 14 months, have been distributing Ukrainian matzah for Passover at the Jewel on Rand Road in Arlington Heights.

      Chaikie Kotlarsky, wife of Rabbi Yaakov Kotlarsky of Chabad of Arlington Heights, and their daughters Rochel, 4, Rivka, 2, and Devorah Leah, 14 months, have been distributing Ukrainian matzah for Passover at the Jewel on Rand Road in Arlington Heights. Joe Lewnard | Staff Photographer

  • "At this time, hope and healing are desperately needed," says Rabbi Meir Moscowitz of Lubavitch Chabad of Northbrook speaking about Ukrainians fleeing war. His has urged his congregation to come together this Passover in solidarity with Ukrainians by "strengthening our own seders."

      "At this time, hope and healing are desperately needed," says Rabbi Meir Moscowitz of Lubavitch Chabad of Northbrook speaking about Ukrainians fleeing war. His has urged his congregation to come together this Passover in solidarity with Ukrainians by "strengthening our own seders." Joe Lewnard | Staff Photographer

  • Rabbi Karyn Kedar

    Rabbi Karyn Kedar Courtesy of Congregation BJBE

  • Chaikie Kotlarsky, wife of Rabbi Yaakov Kotlarsky of Chabad of Arlington Heights, and their daughters Rochel, 4, Rivka, 2, and Devorah Leah, 14 months, have been distributing Ukrainian matzah for Passover at the Jewel on Rand Road in Arlington Heights. They also offered a chance to win a Seder plate through a raffle.

      Chaikie Kotlarsky, wife of Rabbi Yaakov Kotlarsky of Chabad of Arlington Heights, and their daughters Rochel, 4, Rivka, 2, and Devorah Leah, 14 months, have been distributing Ukrainian matzah for Passover at the Jewel on Rand Road in Arlington Heights. They also offered a chance to win a Seder plate through a raffle. Joe Lewnard | Staff Photographer

  • Lonnie Nasatir

    Lonnie Nasatir

 
Madhu Krishnamurthy
 
 
Updated 4/14/2022 8:32 AM

Suburban Jewish community leaders are urging their congregations to keep Ukraine in their prayers during the eight-day Passover holy period. They also are asking families to show support by setting extra places at the Passover Seder this year or by inviting strangers in a symbolic gesture for those thousands of Jewish Ukrainians who can't observe the holiday rituals in peace while war rages in their homeland.

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