Ukrainian Man Finds His Jewish Roots in Remote Cyprus Chabad Synagogue

In the isolated town of Latchi, Cyprus, a remarkable event unfolded last Friday morning during Shacharit prayers at the local Chabad synagogue. A 23-year-old Ukrainian man named Ilya arrived unexpectedly outside the synagogue, sending a message to Rabbi Mendy Lipsker, the Chabad emissary, asking if he could enter to observe the prayer. Despite initial security concerns, Rabbi Lipsker engaged with Ilya, who revealed he was not Jewish except through his mother and was curious about her tradition.

Recognizing a genuine Jewish spark, Rabbi Lipsker invited Ilya inside and explained the synagogue's significance and sacred objects. When asked if he had ever worn tefillin, Ilya responded that he had not even known what they were. Seizing the moment, Rabbi Lipsker helped him put on tefillin for the first time, marking a delayed but heartfelt bar mitzvah celebration a decade after the traditional age.

After the prayer, Rabbi Lipsker read a daily teaching from the Lubavitcher Rebbe that deeply resonated with the congregation and Ilya: "A Jew recognizes God and feels the supernatural, needing no proof… a Jew cannot be disconnected from God." This poignant message underscored the spiritual connection that brought Ilya to the synagogue that morning. Rabbi Lipsker shared his emotional reaction, describing the experience as a profound example of divine providence and the enduring nature of the Jewish soul, which always finds its way home.