Robots, wine and AI: how Ukrainian Jews celebrated Purim amid war

Purim 2025 in Ukraine has become a symbol of resilience and faith for the Jewish community, despite the challenges of war. On this day, when Jews around the world read Megilat Esther and host festive meals, the community in Ukraine has experienced unique events.

One of the most notable events was Purim in the city of Zaporizhzhia, reported by Israeli israelhayom, where robots and artificial intelligence AI were used for the holiday, along with traditional wine and sweets. These innovations, combined with the joy shared at the front and in the rear, became a vivid symbol of how Jews maintain their traditions and culture, even in the face of great adversity.

Also – Jews-soldiers of Ukraine who liberated Bucha and Irpin read the Megillah for Purim — Mishloach Manot from the chief rabbi of Kyiv.

In the ongoing Russian aggression, where the Ukrainian people and specifically the Jewish community are at the forefront in the fight against the Putin regime, Purim 2025 has become even more significant. It is a holiday that, despite all the hardships, brings light, faith, and hope, showing that the spirit of Ukrainians is unbroken and their belief in the future is stronger than ever.

Innovations and Technology at the Purim Celebration

Robots and AI became an unusual but bright feature of the celebration in Zaporizhzhia. Despite the city’s suffering from attacks, the celebrations continued. Under the leadership of Rabbi Nachum Arentroy, a unique program was organized featuring robots moving to the rhythm of Chabad melodies, and digital images of historical figures created with AI. This unusual approach, combining the old and the new, became one of the symbols of the celebration in the city.

Digital Megillot (Books of Esther), which were displayed on large screens, also became part of the celebration as a reminder of the importance of traditions, even in the age of modern technology. Across Ukraine, there was a mass distribution of Mishloach Manot — festive packages that included sweets and gifts for children, as well as informational materials explaining the significance of the holiday.

These innovations show how, despite the war, the Jewish community in Ukraine actively uses new technologies to stay in line, support traditions, and help the society. This is an important aspect that also demonstrates the resilience of the Ukrainian spirit and their belief in victory.

Purim in Wartime: The Jews of Ukraine Do Not Surrender

Despite the heavy conditions of war and the constant threats posed by Russian aggression, Jewish communities in Ukraine continued to celebrate Purim with resilience and faith. In Kyiv, where the situation remained tense, a large celebration took place at the “Beit Menachem JCC” synagogue with soldiers who returned from the front to celebrate Purim with the local Jewish community.

Putinism brought destruction and death to Ukraine. Hundreds of thousands of people have lost their homes, and cities and villages are destroyed. But despite this, Ukrainians do not give up. Soldiers and civilians, including Jews, are fighting for their country. One vivid example is the arrival of a group of soldiers who returned from the front to Kyiv to share the joy of Purim with the community. These soldiers, who were on the front line just yesterday, are now celebrating with those who awaited their return.

Ihor, one of the soldiers, shared how he had to travel nearly 12 hours from the front to attend the celebration. It was not just a moment of physical return, but also a symbol of hope. The soldiers participating in the celebration emphasized that Purim reminds them of the fight for freedom, for life, and for the right to exist as a Jewish people.

Purim Support for Those Who Could Not Join the Celebration

Special attention was given to those who could not attend the events in person. Volunteers from the Jewish community, supported by the JRNU organization, organized the delivery of Mishloach Manot and other gifts for elderly people and those receiving treatment. In the conditions of war, the support from the community has become especially important, reminding everyone that Jewish traditions and values are maintained, even in the most difficult conditions.

Particular attention was also given to supporting soldiers staying on the front lines. Purim became a moment when soldiers felt supported not only by their families but by the entire community. Solidarity became the central symbol of the celebration, despite all the suffering and losses.

Purim in Other Cities of Ukraine

Vinnytsia, Kherson, and other cities also celebrated Purim on a grand scale. For example, in Kherson, Rabbi Yosef Israel Wolf organized a festive meal for local Jews, despite the hardships the city is experiencing. It was a symbol of struggle and hope, even in the most difficult circumstances. All of these cities, despite the destruction, became arenas of incredible survival spirit and solidarity.

Conclusion: Unity and Traditions

Despite the war, the Jewish community in Ukraine was able not only to preserve its traditions but also to adapt them to modern conditions. Purim, celebrated with robots and AI, showed how Jews in Ukraine honor their traditions while keeping the spirit of modernity and innovation alive.

The tragedy caused by Russian aggression has not broken the spirit of Ukrainians and Jewish communities. On the contrary, Purim 2025 became a vivid confirmation that faith, unity, and traditions help to withstand the toughest times. This is yet another step on the path to victory, which we will all confidently take together.

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