Torah Started at Nova Site Dedicated in Moving Ceremony
With the Chief Rabbi of Russia in attendance, a new Torah scroll was inaugurated in Moscow’s central synagogue Marina Roscha. The writing of the Torah scroll began at the tragic site of the ‘Nova’ massacre near Gaza, where 383 people were murdered almost a year ago. On Monday evening, the eve of Rosh Chodesh Elul, […]
The Children and Families Who Are Not Forgotten: For Life Brings Hope to Those in Need in Russia and Belarus
Over 1,400 Jewish families with children, facing economic hardship and distress, received life-saving assistance this past summer from the For Life organization, which operates under the Federation of Jewish Communities (FJC) in 26 major cities and 48 towns across Russia and Belarus. An additional round of aid is set to be distributed in the coming […]
New Synagogue Inaugurated in Moscow Prison
A new synagogue inaugurated in Moscow Prison with the participation of the Chief Rabbi of Russia, Rabbi Berel Lazar, joins a dozen active synagogues in Russian prisons, aiming to bring light to the inmates and reduce recidivism. Thanks to the investment from the Moscow Prison Service administration, another synagogue for Jewish inmates was inaugurated in […]
Odesa’s Jews find strength in faith amid crisis
Diaspora Affairs – Amidst the echoes of the crisis in Odesa, an unexpected revival unfolds. The city’s Jewish community, with roots as deep as the Black Sea port itself, faces its greatest challenge yet. Based on an article by THEO PROUVOST | The Jerusalem Post | Photo credit: Theo Prouvost On a recent Monday morning, […]
Across Ukraine: Backpacks, Supplies, and Stationery for the Neediest Students
High-quality kits, including brand-new backpacks, essential school supplies, textbooks, high-quality stationery, and sometimes even footwear and clothing, were distributed by JRNU – Chabad and the Federation of Jewish Communities (FJC) operational arm in Ukraine – to thousands of Jewish students from underprivileged and at-risk families, in preparation for the new school year. Sadly, throughout Ukraine, […]
To the Sound of Shofar: A New and Promising School Year Opens in Jewish FSU
Thousands of Jewish children and teenagers from across the former Soviet Union began the new school year earlier this month in hundreds of kindergartens, schools, high schools, and higher education institutions operated by the Federation of Jewish Communities (FJC) ‘Or Avner’ Jewish educational network with great dedication and investment. As is tradition, the school year […]
Russian-Speaking Teens Connect During Israel Trip
As the sun set over the Western Wall, casting a deep red glow across the ancient stones of the Old City, Esti from Riga, Latvia, stood in awe. At 17, she had never imagined she’d be here, singing together with thousands of other Jews as they welcomed the Shabbat together. Let alone as part of […]
Jewish Odesa Celebrates 25 Years of Educational Excellence
Hundreds of graduates, community members, dignitaries, and guests gathered on September 1st in the southern Ukrainian city of Odesa to celebrate 25 years since the establishment of the city’s remarkable FJC ‘Or Avner’ Jewish educational institutions, which have played a major role in the revival of Judaism across the region. Throughout the exceptional evening event, […]
Inspiring: YAHAD ‘Torah Club’ Reaches New Heights
Once again, YAHAD’s unique ‘Torah Club’ opened its doors to vibrant Jewish students and young professionals from Russia, Belarus, Georgia, other FSU countries, and even Israel, inviting them to participate in a special Jewish educational seminar packed with experiences and knowledge in the heart of Moscow. Hosted by the Zhukovka JCC, located in a beautiful […]
Camp Yeka 2024: A Summer of Joy, Hope, and Jewish Pride in the Carpathian Mountains
This summer, Camp Yeka provided a life-changing Jewish camp experience for over 90 disadvantaged Jewish boys from Ukraine, offering them a much-needed break from the harsh realities of life. Nestled in the beautiful Carpathian Mountains, the camp’s serene and picturesque surroundings played a crucial role in creating a nurturing and uplifting environment for the children. […]