EnerJew Coordinators Convene for Annual Training Seminar
EnerJew youth coordinators — the FJC’s Jewish youth movement across the FSU — from across Russia and Belarus gathered in Moscow for their second annual training seminar of the year. Held over four days and centered around an inspiring Shabbaton, the seminar provided participants with practical tools and renewed inspiration for their vital work with […]
A Journey of Discovery: Taglit-YAHAD Brings Young Jews Closer to Their Roots
At the beginning of February, an educational and inspiring Taglit YAHAD trip brought 35 students and young Jewish professionals from across Russia to Israel for ten transformative days. Organized by FJC’s YAHAD organization, directed by Rabbi Mendy Wilansky, in collaboration with Birthright Israel, the journey offered participants an immersive encounter with the land, history, and […]
Writing of Historic Torah Scroll Begins in Russian Enclave
In a celebrative and uplifting ceremony that quickly became a focal point for Jews throughout the region, the writing of a new and beautifully crafted Sefer Torah was commenced in the historic city of Kaliningrad, situated between Poland and Lithuania. Kaliningrad, located along the shores of the Baltic Sea and uniquely positioned as a Russian […]
Thousands Gather in Moscow for Landmark Siyum HaRambam Celebration
In the heart of Moscow, just minutes from the Kremlin, an unprecedented Jewish event unfolded this week in one of Europe’s most prominent venues. The grand concert hall at “Dream Island,” the largest indoor theme park in Europe, welcomed 3,500 participants for a historic celebration marking the 45th completion of the Rambam’s annual study cycle, […]
‘Havdalah & the Museum of Cinema’: YAHAD Launches Innovative Jewish Film Experience Across the FSU
On Saturday night, January 24 (Motzei Shabbat, 6 Shevat), thousands of Jewish students and young professionals from across Russia and other former Soviet Union countries took part in a unique “Havdalah” event hosted by YAHAD in local community clubs across dozens of cities. At the heart of the evening was Havdalah & the Museum of […]
Tu Bishvat Celebrated Across Jewish Communities of the FSU With Hundreds of Educational and Uplifting Events
Thousands of Jewish community members of all ages took part yesterday in wide-ranging Tu Bishvat celebrations held throughout the entire Former Soviet Union. Marking the New Year for Trees, the events reflected the spirit of renewal and growth associated with the 15th of Shevat on the Jewish calendar. For FSU Jewry, Tu Bishvat carries special […]
Dnipro chief rabbi: Joy in being Jewish restored post-Soviet Dnipro Jewry
When Kaminetsky arrived in the Closed City in 1990, the years of pogroms, Nazi conquest, and Soviet oppression had reduced almost fifty synagogues to one small house of worship. Article and photo by MICHAEL STARR | THE JERUSALEM POST Post-Soviet Union Jewry suffered lingering shame and self-depreciation following the collapse of the communist empire, and […]
Chief Rabbi of Estonia Efraim Shmuel Kot to Receive Order of the White Star
The President of the Republic of Estonia, Alar Karis, announced on January 30 that Chief Rabbi of Estonia Efraim Shmuel Kot will be awarded the Order of the White Star, 3rd Class. The state honor recognizes Rabbi Kot’s 25 years of dedicated service to the Jewish community in Estonia and his contribution to its spiritual […]
Humanitarian Aid Meets Jewish Identity: Inside the ‘For Life’ Project’s Impact
What began as a lifesaving humanitarian initiative aimed at supporting Jewish families in crisis, has evolved into something much deeper. The For Life project, operating across Russia and Belarus under the Federation of Jewish Communities (FJC), in addition to the crucial importance of humanitarian aid has also become a powerful tool for connection, education, and […]
International Holocaust Remembrance Day Marked at the Jewish Museum in Central Moscow
Since the United Nations designated January 27—the date of the liberation of Auschwitz—as the International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Russia’s central commemoration ceremony has been held annually at the Jewish Museum and Tolerance Center in Moscow. Each year, the event brings together senior government representatives, numerous ambassadors, and leading public figures. The ceremony takes place in […]