On February 20, Rabbi Yossi & Sara Marozov celebrated a joyful family event: their son, Mendy (Menachem Mendel), turned three years old! According to Jewish tradition, this warrants a first haircut ceremony, called an ''upshernish'', the day which a child begins his Jewish education!

In honor of this significant event, a grand festive banquet was held in the banquet hall of the Hilton Hotel. Close to 200 members of the Ulyanovsk Jewish community participated in the celebration. Friends and Rabbi’s from nearby cities traveled in for this event.

After the warm welcome from Rabbi Marozov, the audience got to know the birthday boy better. A special video clip, showing the first three years of Mendy's life, was screened.

The words of congratulations, from the letter of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, were read by the Rabbi of the city of Penza, Rabbi Dan Savinov. Menachem Mendel Marozov also read the Hebrew alphabet for those present. And, finally, Rabbi Yosef Marozov congratulated his son, and began the ceremony of the first haircut!

Everyone who wished also had the opportunity to cut off a strand of hair and say kind words of congratulations to the birthday boy’s proud parents!

Highlights of the evening included a laser show, which displayed Hebrew letters, pictures of Mendy, and Jewish themes, and joyous dancing to live music from the group "Nefesh". For children, an animator was invited, as well as a piñata game filled with sweets & prizes.

The room was set in dim lights. The tables had candles and the walls and ceilings was decorated with laser lights. All the participants, wore neon glowing bracelets and necklaces. Throughout the evening, there were screens on all walls portraying the event.

Menachem Mendel (Mendy) is named after the late Lubavitcher Rebbe, Menachem M. Schneerson, and his late great-grandfather M.M. Marozov who passed away last month at the age of 101.

For a long time, this beautiful and very symbolic holiday will be remembered by all.