Uzbekistan’s Jewish Communities Unite for Memorial and Preservation Efforts
In a momentous visit aimed at bolstering Jewish life in Uzbekistan, the Chief Rabbi of Russia, Rabbi Berel Lazar, led a distinguished delegation to Tashkent. His visit was marked by a significant memorial event, an inspection of a historic Jewish cemetery, and high-level meetings with government officials and community leaders. Honoring the Legacy of Rabbi […]
In Every City and Country: Hundreds of Thousands Celebrated Purim in the Former Soviet Union
Hundreds of thousands of Jews across the former Soviet Union, in both major cities and remote towns, joyfully filled synagogues to hear the reading of Megillat Esther, crowded central halls for Purim parties, festive meals, and lively dancing, received and exchanged Mishloach Manot packages specially prepared by FJC, and fulfilled the unique mitzvot of the […]
Site of Nazi Persecution in Belarus Now a Hub of Jewish Revival
A new chapter in Mogilev’s 500-year Jewish story begins By Motti Wilhelm | Chabad.org | Photo: Rabbi Berel Lazar, Chief Rabbi of Russia, and Rabbi Mendy Alperowitz, director of Chabad of Mogilev, celebrate the opening of the new community center with members of the community. Chabad of Mogilev A black-and-white photograph from early 1940s Mogilev, […]
A Symphony of Unity in Petersburg: 450 Jewish Women Gather for an Inspiring Shabbaton
Over 450 Jewish women from 45 cities across Russia and Belarus recently gathered in Petersburg for an extraordinary Shabbaton, a weekend of inspiration and unity that brought together dedicated participants from the renowned Kollel Torah learning network. 450 Voices – One Melody The Shabbaton, themed “Your Note, Our Melody,” emphasized the idea that each woman’s […]
Innovative and Captivating: FJC’s AI Purim Video Becomes a Sensation
Ahead of Purim, the Federation of Jewish Communities (FJC) took on an exciting challenge. In a unique collaboration with its various projects and initiatives, FJC harnessed the power of artificial intelligence to create a groundbreaking video that brings the joy and traditions of Purim to hundreds of thousands of Russian-speaking Jews across the former Soviet […]
For the First Time: The ‘Yahaduton’ Stunning Purim Video – Now in Ukrainian
Over a decade after it was launched in Hebrew – tonight, the famous Purim video produced by the ‘Yahaduton Channel’ will be publicized in Ukrainian to tens of thousands of Jews across the country. The popular Purim video from the ‘Yahaduton Channel’ has been translated for the first time into Ukrainian and will be publicized […]
Good News from Tomsk: Government to Renovate ‘Cantonists’ Synagogue
On the eve of Purim, the Jewish community of Tomsk received extraordinary news: the historic ‘Cantonists’ Synagogue is set to undergo extensive renovations, funded by the Siberian government. This development marks a significant milestone in preserving a treasured heritage site—a synagogue built by Jewish Cantonist soldiers with their own hands nearly two centuries ago, featuring […]
Jewish Orphans Bring Light and Joy to Holocaust Survivors in Odesa
As Purim approached, a heartwarming scene unfolded in Odesa, Ukraine, where the children of the ‘Mishpacha’ Children’s Home distributed Mishloach Manot packages to Holocaust survivors living in the city. These children, who themselves face life without parents, arrived in festive costumes, delivering colorful gift bags filled with hamantaschen, fruits, and personal presents. This touching initiative […]
Purim in Kharkiv: A Celebration of Hope and Joy
Despite ongoing challenges, the Jewish community of Kharkiv once again demonstrated resilience and spirit as they came together to celebrate Purim with joy and unity. Marking the fourth Purim amidst the crisis, hundreds of men, women, and children filled the historic Kharkiv synagogue, transforming the day into a true festival of light and hope. From […]
Jewish History in the Making: Tyumen Celebrates New Mikvah and JCC Foundation
The Jewish community of Tyumen, Siberia, recently celebrated a momentous series of events marking the growth and revival of Jewish life in the city. The inauguration of a newly built state-of-the-art mikvah, the affixing of a mezuzah at a new rented and temporary Chabad House and synagogue, and the laying of the cornerstone for an […]