An historic event occurred in the city of Sumy, located in north-eastern Ukraine. The local Jewish community has opened a mikvah, named in honor of Mrs. Esther Mansouri, daughter of Abraham Cohen, who passed away in the month of Elul.
A dedication ceremony was held for the grand opening of the mikvah, attended by members of the Jewish community of Sumy and students participating in the STARS educational program.
Eighty-five years ago Soviet authorities closed down the Sumy Jewish community’s mikvah. In recent years, the closest operational mikvah to Sumy was located in Kharkov, which is a three-hour drive from Sumy. Thanks to the selfless work of Chief Rabbi of Sumy Yechiel Levitansky and financial assistance from the Mansouri and Raitport families, in addition to the aid of the Rabbinical Center of Europe, the dream of a mikvah has become a reality. Thanks to all of their efforts, the residents of Sumy and nearby communities will once again have the benefit of a mikvah!