Category: News

‘Don Cheshbon’ to the Rescue; Darkeinu Initiative Makes Jewish History Accessible

In a concerted effort to integrate Jewish history into the identity and curriculum of young Jewish pupils across the former Soviet Union, Darkeinu, the Federation of Jewish Communities (FJC) Jewish learning program, has unveiled an exciting new initiative supported by thought-provoking and interactive materials. These resources aim to delve into the somber aspects of European […]

Joint Opening Event Marks Launch of Dramatic Winter Season

More than 150 Jewish university students and young professionals from across Russia and additional FSU countries participated in YAHAD’s unique opening event in Moscow, marking the simultaneous opening of three major seminars and additional winter programs tailored for Jewish youth in the upcoming months. The uplifting and energetic event was honored with the presence of […]

‘Unbearable’ Conditions in Ukraine Amid Blackouts and Freezing Weather

FJC’s and Chabad network redouble efforts to provide shelter and warmth By Faygie Levy Holt | Based on an article by Chabad.org Amid blackouts and single-digit temperatures, living conditions are becoming unbearable in many parts of Ukraine. Jewish Community and Chabad centers around the exhausted nation are going all-out to keep their communities warm and […]

New YAHAD Games Intrigue the Minds of Thousands

YAHAD, the FJC’s organization actively engaging thousands of Russian-speaking students and young professionals across Russia and FSU countries, has recently unveiled four original board games. Packed with Jewish educational content, these games cater specifically to their target audience. “It all began a few years ago,” recalls Rabbi Mendy Wilansky, Director of YAHAD. “The COVID-19 pandemic […]

Eight Days, 15,831 Candles: EnerJew’s Chanukah Challenge Reaches New Heights

During this past Chanukah, thousands of Jewish teenagers from across the FSU enthusiastically participated in EnerJew’s traditional Chanukah Challenge for 2023, collectively achieving a new record of 15,831 candles lit across every corner of the region. The challenge encompassed various activities, including parties, charity initiatives, social engagements at kindergartens, communal volunteering, and a range of […]

Jewish Petersburg Celebrates Unforgettable Theremin Concert at Historic Synagogue

The Grand Choral Synagogue in Petersburg resonated with ethereal melodies as the Jewish community gathered for a remarkable musical event titled “Music from the Air.” Marking a century of the unique invention by Lev Theremin, the concert witnessed an exceptional display of talent and history. The star of the evening was Peter Termen, the great-grandson […]

Russia’s Silicone Valley Celebrates With New Torah

The “Skolkovo” area of Moscow, known as Russia’s Silicon Valley thanks to its many innovative companies in the field of technology and commerce, welcomed its community rabbi and Chabad emissary about two years ago and has now inaugurated its own new Torah scroll.  Photos: Levi Nazarov Since the arrival of Rabbi David Boroda and his […]

Their Big Day: Five Refugee Children Finally Celebrate Their Bar Mitzvah

From Zhytomyr in West Ukraine to Ashkelon in Southern Israel, and then swiftly to Kfar Chabad in Central Israel, five 13-year-old teenage boys from FJC’s ‘Alumim’ orphanage and children’s home have at last had the opportunity to celebrate their significant milestone in a unique and heartfelt event. “Typically,” explains Rabbi Shlomo Wilhelm, Director of the […]

Jewish man killed in largest aerial attack on Ukraine

Artyoom Reznik’s home Jewish community in the city of Kharkiv mourned his loss. Based on an article by  JERUSALEM POST STAFF, REUTERS A Jew from Kharkiv was killed during the biggest air attack on Ukraine on Friday, according to sources in the Jewish community of Ukraine. The attack resulted in the killing of 31 civilians, […]