The historic city of Chernovtzy, also known as Chernovitz, located in Western Ukraine has been relatively peaceful compared to other parts of the war-ravaged nation. Here, even amid the turmoil of war, the Jewish community of about 2,000 has been experiencing a renaissance. A new Chabad husband-and-wife team is setting down roots in the city to join the already thriving Chabad-Lubavitch of Chernovtzy team.

Enter Rabbi Mendy and Mushky Halperin, the first rabbi-and-wife team to move to Ukraine since the onset of the war. Mendy is from the Chassidic village of Kfar, Israel. Mushky grew up in Riga, Latvia, where her parents are Chabad emissaries. The couple, together with their 4-month-old son, Ari, crossed the border from Moldova into Ukraine on August 30, arriving in their new hometown the same day.

Prior to the arrival of the new team, the community was led by Rabbi Mendy Glitzenstein and his wife Pnina who, since 2003, have laid the foundation for a thriving Jewish community, establishing Shabbat and holiday services, and developing programming for Jewish women, children and seniors.

The Halperins are aiming to place even greater emphasis on youth. Rabbi Mendy is hoping to work closely with teenagers, while Mushky focuses on the younger children. Also, the rabbi hopes to strengthen ties with Jews who left during Ukraine during the war.

“I know it sounds crazy for a young couple to move to Ukraine in the middle of a war. We are not here for adventure. We are here because we want to work with the Jews of Chernovtzy, the Rabbi said.