Summer 2025: Over 10,000 Food Parcels and Vouchers Delivered to Jewish Families Across Ukraine
This summer, more than 10,000 Jewish families with children across Ukraine are receiving generous food parcels and purchase vouchers, bringing vital relief during a time of ongoing hardship. The effort is organized by the Jewish Relief Network Ukraine (JRNU)—the Federation of Jewish Communities’ humanitarian arm in Ukraine—together with the LifeChanger UA project. Each package contains […]
After 27 Years Missing, Israeli Found in Russia Thanks to Community Rabbi
Nearly three decades after all contact was lost, an Israeli man from Ofakim has been reunited with his family—thanks to the persistence of the Jewish community of Samara and its Chief Rabbi and Chabad emissary, Rabbi Shlomo Deitch. The story began in 1996, when Slava Kagan traveled from Israel to Samara, Russia, to care for […]
Second-Largest City in Tatarstan Now Home to a Chabad Center
Naberezhnye Chelny, a major industrial hub, is the second-largest city in Tatarstan, a region of Russia that is the historic home of both Sephardic Jews as well as the Ashkenazim who were allowed to settle there after serving in the Tsar’s army. By Chabad.org Staff This venerable and unique community now has its own Chabad center, established by Rabbi Chaim Dovid and […]
President Herzog Meets Chabad Emissaries During Historic Visit to Latvia
As part of his official visit to the Baltic states, Israeli President Isaac Herzog arrived this morning in Riga, Latvia’s capital, where he met with the Chabad representatives serving the local Jewish community under the leadership of Rabbi Mordechai Glazman and his wife, Rebbetzin Rivka Glazman. The Rebbetzin shared with the President an overview of […]
Three Weeks of Light: Camp Yeka Girls Shines Amid Sirens
While much of the world watched headlines filled with uncertainty and crisis, a different kind of story was unfolding quietly — one of laughter, healing, dancing, and connection. Summer 2025 at Camp Yeka Girls Summer, held this year in both Ukraine and Israel, became a haven of warmth and hope for dozens of Jewish girls […]
A Week of Rest and Renewal: STARS Ukraine Summer Seminar Successfully Concludes
Forty-five Jewish students and young professionals from across Ukraine recently completed a weeklong summer seminar in the Carpathian Mountains organized by STARS Ukraine, offering a vital opportunity for both physical rest and spiritual renewal. Set in a serene countryside location, the seminar provided a peaceful contrast to the ongoing tension and instability still felt in […]
Jewish Life Flourishes in Formerly Closed City in Western Russia
In a region with fascinating Jewish roots By Chabad.org Staff Rabbi David and Anya Yakub are bringing new energy to the historic Jewish community in Dzerzhinsk, on the Volga River in western Russia. This region has fascinating Jewish roots. Because the city is central to Russia’s chemical production industry, Dzerzhinsk was historically closed to foreigners, like nearby […]
From Russia to Israel with Love: Birthright Trip Connects Jewish Students to Their Roots
Over twenty Jewish students from across Russia, participants in various YAHAD programs, recently completed a transformative weeklong journey through Israel. The group experienced an engaging blend of visits to historical and sacred sites, top attractions, and inspiring educational content delivered in a dynamic and immersive manner. Accompanied by an experienced tour guide and a charismatic […]
Century-Old ‘Siddur’ Discovered During Restoration of Historic Soldiers’ Synagogue in Tomsk
Sacred prayer book and Torah scroll return home to memorial honoring Russia’s forgotten Jewish soldiers By Mendel Scheiner | Chabad.org Old, sturdy timber beams line the walls of the Soldiers’ Synagogue in the western Siberian city of Tomsk, Russia, its ornate window frames topped by Stars of David carved over a century ago. Built out of wood […]
Siberia: Ethnographic Museum Restores Historical Wooden Synagogue
A newly reconstructed wooden synagogue, originally built circa 1908 and located near the town of Zima on the outskirts of Siberian Irkutsk, will soon open its doors within the Taltsy Ethnographic Museum complex. The historic synagogue, built alongside the bustling station town on the Trans-Siberian Railway, suffered destruction and was dismantled years ago during the […]