Гуртом Легше” (from Ukrainian “Together Is Easier”) was a deeply meaningful online gathering that brought together 41 participants from across Mem Global communities in Ukraine — a country still living through the daily realities of war. In the face of uncertainty and emotional strain, this event created a rare and vital space for connection, grounding, and care. Anchored in the Jewish calendar and the weekly Torah portion Vayakhel, it invited participants to reflect on the idea of “Jewish Enough” and to reconnect with cycles of meaning, tradition, and community. Through ritual moments like a creative Havdalah, personal storytelling, body-based practices, and group art-making, the event offered participants a chance to explore what safety means — physically, emotionally, and spiritually — in a world that often feels unsafe.

The experience blended vulnerability with strength, helping people reflect on how to support themselves and one another as Jewish leaders and community members during a time of crisis. In a context where isolation and fear are common, this was a powerful reminder: healing, resilience, and even joy are possible when we come together — even online — with open hearts and shared purpose.

Liza, MHWOW host from Kyiv, Ukraine
Gatherings like this have become very rare for me, so I can say this one felt especially personal. My main takeaway: take care of yourself and remember there are people who care — and that brings joy.

I really enjoyed just lying down and being silent. Moments like that are so rare in my life — there’s always somewhere to rush to, or fear of explosions or air raid alerts…I can’t say I felt strong support during the event, because I was mostly worried about the people I had invited. But when the event began, I felt a deep warmth seeing familiar faces — Yulia and Sonya, Grisha, and others from the seminars we attended together. It’s a wonderful feeling to know people are happy to see you. Realizing that many people are going through similar things gave me a sense that I’m not alone in fighting — whether for something or against something (usually myself).

Alyona – Resident of Moishe House Dnipro
In today’s reality, where there’s so much anxiety and uncertainty around us, we rarely give ourselves the chance to simply slow down. But it’s in those moments that true self-understanding and awareness of our inner resources come.

What inspired me most was the sense of community — even though all of us have different stories and experiences, we came together in a space where we could just be ourselves, without fear of judgment.
During the breathing techniques, I felt the strongest sense of support. That part was hard for me, but doing it together with others made it easier. Many shared their experiences of dealing with stress, and that helped me work through it too.

It wasn’t just a chance to rest — it became a vital resource for dealing with fear, anxiety, and inner tension. We’re living in a situation where war deeply affects our emotional state. That’s why events like this are so important — they help us manage panic attacks, cope with stress, and find balance in difficult circumstances.

Maria – Community Member, Moishe House Dnipro
I was inspired by the atmosphere of warmth and trust. It was really nice that everyone shared their thoughts and feelings. I especially enjoyed the art practice and the metaphorical game — they helped me see my emotions in a new way and find useful ideas for myself.

When we discussed stress and shared our experiences, it was really comforting to realize that I’m not the only one dealing with such feelings, and that everyone has their own ways of coping with challenges. In everyday life, in our current realities, it’s rare to have the opportunity to just talk about your feelings in such a warm circle. It was nice to feel unity with people who understand and support you.