Why Michael From Siberia Cried on Shavuot
By Yerachmiel Gorelik, Tyumen, Siberia, Russia | Chabad.org It was Shavuot morning. Our synagogue in Tyumen, Siberia, was filled with men, women and many children who had all gathered to hear the reading of the Ten Commandments during the services. After a lavish dairy Kiddush lunch, we began drawing raffles (in a way permitted on […]
‘Eurostars’ Program Shines, Seen in the Effect on Russian Youth Visiting Europe
By Dovid Margolin | Chabad.org Gliding down the Seine under a soft drizzle, the lone flame of the traditionalHavdalah candle seemed to illuminate not just the boat, but the entire “City of Light.” Havdalah is the ceremony marking the end of Shabbat, and for the 500 young Jewish participants who traveled together to Paris, Berlin and […]
Children and War: Urgent Challenge of Education in Ukraine
By Sarah Leah Lawent | Chabad.org Anna comes from a small village outside of the city of Zhitomir in western Ukraine. Like many Jewish children in rural corners of the former Soviet Union, she and her 4-year-old brother spent the initial years of their young lives barely surviving in material poverty, with no idea of their […]
‘EuroStars’ Return from Life Changing European Tour
A group of 500 Russian EuroStars university students recently returned from a unique six day trip to Poland, France, and Germany. This educational tour was the culmination of a eight month Jewish learning program in 24 locations throughout Russia which delved into Jewish thought, heritage, law and tradition; much focus was given to Jewish holidays, […]
Saving the Future of 20 Ukrainian Children
The FJC’s Eastern Ukraine refugee relocation program has been running around the clock for the past year and a half finding new communities and homes for thousands of Jewish refugees affected by the war. While the peace treaty which began in February is still formally in effect, most have not returned to their homes due […]
The Phenomenon of Jewish Weddings
It makes us who we are. It pushes us to do better. It impassions us, propelling us forward. It is our identity. For many individuals in Western countries the questions remains, “Are you a Jewish American or an American Jew?” Where is the emphasis? Which is the adjective and which the noun? Which word IS […]
Only Kosher Eatery Opens in Western Ukraine
by Dovid Zaklikowski – Zhitomir, Ukraine | Lubavitch.com MAY 8, 2015 With a menu offering five salads, a variety of soups, breads and meats, the only kosher restaurant in Western Ukraine opened last week in the city of Zhitomir. Philanthropist George Rohr, on a visit to the local Jewish community, affixed a Mezuzah on the […]
Muslim President’s Unusual Wish
By COLlive reporter The Kazan Kremlin, the historic citadel complex in the Republic of Tatarstan and a World Heritage Site, is planned to house a Jewish center and perhaps even a synagogue. The historic decision was announced at a recent meeting between the President of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov with Russia’s Chief Rabbi Berel Lazar, Tatarstan […]