The Jewish community of Kyiv published the Haggadah in Ukrainian – an important step in preserving Jewish culture in Ukraine during the war

Pesach is not only a time for celebration but also a moment for deep reflection on the symbols and traditions.

In 2025, the Jewish community of Kiev (Brodski Synagogue) made an important contribution to preserving Jewish culture in Ukraine — the “first-ever Ukrainian translation of the Haggadah” was released – said the Chief Rabbi of Ukraine Moshe Asman on April 11, 2025 – “This translation is not only of great significance for Jews in Ukraine, but it also symbolizes unity with our people in Israel, emphasizing the connection between two countries and two cultures.”

The Haggadah has been released in a small print run specifically for the community members and will not be available for sale.

To be honest, it’s not the first one — we already wrote on April 7, 2023 – The first Passover Haggadah in Ukrainian marks the split of the Ukrainian Jewish community from Russia

Pesach as a Symbol of Unity

The Haggadah is not just a religious text, but a book that unites generations, preventing the important stages of Jewish history and traditions from being forgotten. The publication of this book in Ukrainian holds deep meaning not only for the Jewish community but also for the Ukrainian people, as it brings with it hope for peace and unity, which are important for celebrating Pesach.

“Freedom begins with knowledge”, said the Chief Rabbi of Ukraine Moshe Reuven Asman, who supported this important publication. The Ukrainian translation of the Haggadah highlights the significance of preserving culture and traditions in a country where thousands of Jews live, and whose history is intertwined with the history of Ukraine.

Thanks to the Efforts of the Community

The publication of the Haggadah was realized thanks to a project initiated by Miryam Hasin and designer Alek Flesher.

Miryam Hasin, the project leader, noted that this translation has special significance in the current world, where Jewish communities in Ukraine are experiencing difficult times due to the war. But despite these challenges, the community continues to preserve its heritage.

“This is an important step in preserving our identity and culture. We publish the Haggadah with a prayer for peace, as well as to uplift the spirit of every hero who gave their life for Ukraine and Israel,” said Miryam Hasin.

The Importance of the Book in Wartime

This Haggadah became not only a symbol of traditions but also a gift for the Pesach holiday, which unites the Jews of Ukraine and Israel into one large cultural space. At a time when countries are facing major challenges, the importance of supporting Jewish traditions and preserving cultural heritage is especially significant. The publication of the Haggadah allows not only to preserve this tradition but also to pass it on to future generations.

What Does the Ukrainian Haggadah Symbolize?

The Ukrainian Haggadah symbolizes hope and light. It reminds us of the power of memory and the necessity of preserving our cultural identity. In times of war and political hardships for Jews in Ukraine, this book becomes a precious gift, helping not to forget our roots and teaching the younger generation how to value freedom and traditions.

Quote: “May this bright spring book bring you pleasure and joy throughout the entire holiday!” — this is how the organizers of the project spoke about the publication of the Haggadah.

Preserving Jewish Heritage in Ukraine

Preserving Jewish culture is an important aspect for both Ukraine and Israel. Both countries have deep historical connections, which are reflected in religious holidays, cultural initiatives, and mutual support in difficult times. During Pesach 2025, the Ukrainian Haggadah became an important element of this cultural unity.

This book gives the Jewish community in Ukraine another opportunity to strengthen ties with Israel, helps preserve traditions and the memory of our people, while also giving a boost to further initiatives that will contribute to supporting Jewish communities in Ukraine.

What is the Haggadah?

The Haggadah (or Haggada) is the central text of the Jewish religious ritual that is read during the Pesach holiday. The Haggadah includes prayers, songs, ritual texts, and stories that help understand and experience the history of the Jewish people’s exodus from Egypt. It is a kind of guide for conducting the Seder — the festive dinner, which is the main element of celebrating Pesach.

Main Components of the Haggadah

The Haggadah consists of several parts, each of which has its meaning and importance within the framework of the Pesach ritual:

• Prayers — an important part of the Haggadah, including traditional blessings and requests for salvation, well-being, and blessings for the Jewish people.
• The Story of the Exodus — the central part of the Haggadah, which tells the events leading to the liberation of the Jews from Egyptian slavery. In this part, the 10 plagues that struck Egypt and the miracle that occurred at the Red Sea are described in detail.
• Texts and Songs — many verses in the Haggadah are in the form of songs, making them easy to remember and perform during the Seder. One of the most famous songs is “Dayenu” (“It would have been enough for us”), which expresses gratitude to God for all the miracles performed during the Exodus.
• Questions and Answers — in the traditional Seder, children ask questions related to the holiday, and adults answer, explaining the meaning of the rituals. This element helps children understand the importance of the holiday and teaches them the religious tradition.

Significance of the Haggadah in Jewish Tradition

The Haggadah is of great significance not only as a sacred text but also as a means of passing Jewish traditions from generation to generation. It unites family and community around the table, creating an atmosphere of unity and holiness. Through the Haggadah, Jews worldwide, regardless of where they live, can feel their connection to the past, to the history of their people, and strengthen their identity.

In Jewish communities, including in Ukraine, the Haggadah plays an important role in strengthening Jewish heritage and preserving cultural traditions.

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