Launched in 2013, FJC’s EnerJew is the only Jewish youth movement across the FSU. The movement nurtures a deep connection between Jewish teenagers and their heritage. It is growing at an unprecedented pace and now counts 1,800 teenagers from 13 to 18, in 25 cities throughout the region.
The movement aims to transform Jewish youth across the FSU – from passive and disconnected to an active integral part of the Jewish world. It does so through developing youth activism and spreading the practice of Judaism, that gradually change the community structure. By providing young people the necessary knowledge and skills, EnerJew is creating future leaders for the region’s Jewish communities. The movement focuses on three key points: connection, continuity and initiative.
Connection: Developing and expanding the Jewish youth community and transforming that group into the main platform of socializing and informal activity of Jewish teenagers.
Continuity: The program activists in each city make sure there is a continuous stream of activity, be it educational, social, or otherwise.
Initiative: EnerJew encourages members to be active participants of the project. All programming is developed from within and even mini-grants are available for original and innovative ideas connected with Jewish heritage. Successful projects are implemented in the communities.
EnerJew clubs in each city are guided by local coordinators and professional mentors, as well as young Rabbis, who supports the group’s Jewish heritage connection.
Besides local club meetings and activities, participants often gather in multi-city Shabbatons and conferences, and even international seminars, where they have a chance to meet each other and form deeper connections. The result is a strong force of Jewish enthusiasm and activism that is growing forth and changing the social paradigms of the region.
EnerJew is developed in partnership with the Federation of Jewish Communities of the CIS (FJC) with the support of Finger and Leviev Foundation, the Jewish Agency for Israel, the LA Pincus Fund and other additional donors.