A Jewish baby, rescued at just three days old at the start of the Russian war in Ukraine and brought to the Mishpacha Jewish orphanage in Odesa, celebrated his third birthday this week with a traditional upsherin (first haircut ceremony).
Surrounded by his many “brothers” from the orphanage, little Tuvia was showered with candy, and his hair was cut according to Jewish tradition.
When the war in Ukraine erupted three years ago, news spread of a newborn Jewish baby, just three days old, who was miraculously rescued and taken into the care of Odesa’s Jewish orphanage. At just eight days old, as the sounds of bombings echoed in the city, he underwent his bris milah and was given the name Tuvia, after Rabbi Tuvia Peles, a prominent Chabad chossid from Kfar Chabad, Israel.
Odessa’s Chief Rabbi and Chabad Shliach, Rabbi Avraham Wolff, director of the orphanage, recalled: “From the moment he arrived, Tuvia became everyone’s child. We are his family.”
Despite his tender age, Tuvia endured many upheavals during the war, as he and more than 100 children from the orphanage were repeatedly evacuated for safety. Their journey took them to Germany, then various locations within Ukraine, before finally returning to Odesa more than a year later.
Tuvia’s story spread across international media and touched many in Israel. “His story moved thousands of Israelis,” said Rabbi Wolff.
Just three days after giving birth, Tuvia’s mother arrived at the orphanage and asked to leave him there. “I asked if she wanted to stay longer or at least say a proper goodbye, but she said no,” recalled one of the caretakers. “She turned around and walked away without leaving any details. He was left without a family, so we became his family.”
Rabbi Wolff and his wife, Mrs. Chaya Wolff, decided to raise the infant as their own, ensuring he grew up surrounded by love and a strong Jewish identity.
This week, as Ukraine marked three years since the war began, Tuvia reached a milestone of his own—his third birthday and traditional upsherin. The orphanage children, whom he considers his siblings, joyously celebrated with him. They threw candy, sang Jewish songs, and took turns cutting his hair, in keeping with the sacred Jewish custom.
“Seeing Tuvia grow, learn, and thrive is our greatest joy,” said Rabbi Wolff. Igor Shadchin, head of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Southern Ukraine, added: “Tuvia has touched all our hearts. He symbolizes hope and resilience. After three turbulent years, we all pray for peace and stability.”
