Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine:
Poltava.
Chairman of the community: Yosef Segal
Tel: +38 (0532) 50-82-50
Address: Hotkevicha Pereulok, 9, Poltava
Community history
Before 1852, in Poltava there was a small Jewish community. In 1861 Saturday and Sunday schools opened. In 1870 a synagogue was built. In 1905 the population of Poltava was 53 060 inhabitants of which 7600 were Jews.
During this period community life was well organized: the city had 10 synagogues and prayer houses, since 1894 Talmud Torah operated which learned more than 300 students, women's school, a yeshiva, library (since 1902), a nursing home (since 1901), a free Jewish Hospital.
Part of the Jewish population managed to evacuate before the occupation by German troops in 1941 and on November 2, 1941 Special SS Section killed 4372 Jews.
Today, thanks to the efforts of Rabbi Segal the first Jewish school and kindergarten in Poltava were established, which teaches the younger generation of Jews and gives children the opportunity not only to receive a quality education and comprehensive development, but also return to the roots of Jewish culture. A charitable foundation also operates in Poltava.
In 2002, thanks to the efforts of Rabbi and members of the community the Ma Hadash? newspaper appeared in Poltava which highlights the cultural and social life of the Jewish population of the city. The newspaper received 700 families for free. Since 2006, a program to provide low-income elderly people hot meals, which currently involves about 35 people. The educational program for youth STARS has collected more than 40 people. Boys and girls are going 2 times a week for training. In June of this year, opened another program - Charity program of nutrition of children. The program involves about 80 children, both halakhic and Jews by the Pope. In addition to kosher food children are given information about the culture and traditions of the Jews. Each month Malka Women's Club takes place.
Much attention is paid by the chairman of the community to respect for tradition. In Rosh Hashanah, Sukkot, Passover and other community gathers for festive tables of more than 300 people. Guests can enjoy kosher meals, pray, spend time cheerfully.