“Education is a social process … education is growth…. education is, not a preparation for life; education is life itself.” (John Dewey)
The critical need for Jewish education in the countries of the Former Soviet Union cannot be overstated. With 124 educational institutions, including Jewish kindergartens, elementary schools, high schools and universities, and with an aggregate enrollment of more than 7,000 students, clearly, the FJC cannot be accused of understatement.
In partnership with the ‘Ohr Avner’ Foundation, established by FJC President Mr. Lev Leviev in memory of his father, the Federation of Jewish Communities devotes thirty percent of its annual budget – tens of millions of dollars each year – to Jewish education.
For millions of Jews who were unfailingly educated in the state doctrine of atheism, forced to grow up with no knowledge of their religion, culture or heritage, Jewish education is essentially an experience of spiritual rebirth.