EnerJew concluded its 2026 year of activity with its largest Shabbaton of the year, bringing together 170 Jewish teenagers and staff members from 16 cities across Russia that had not yet participated in a Shabbaton this year. Held at the Gan Israel Istra campus outside Moscow, the four-day seminar offered participants a meaningful program of shared learning, personal growth, Jewish inspiration, and social connection. The theme of the Shabbaton focused on building a better world by recognizing and using the unique talents and qualities of every individual, through Torah study, Jewish values, acts of kindness, and care for others.
As part of the seminar, a special educational fair introduced participants to the wide range of Jewish educational institutions active in Moscow, offering them practical opportunities to continue their Jewish growth in the years ahead. Representatives of the city’s Jewish schools and educational programs presented their institutions, including the Jewish University and its various departments.
A moving moment took place as 11 participants who had reached the age of 18 celebrated the conclusion of their membership in the EnerJew youth movement and their transition to YAHAD. Rabbi Schneur Kosenko joined the celebration, presented them with a welcoming gift, and introduced all seminar participants to YAHAD’s continuation program for Jewish students and young professionals, which operates in dozens of branches across Russia, Belarus, and other FSU countries.
Another highlight of the Shabbaton came toward the end of Shabbat, when participants took part in an interactive and engaging group study of Pirkei Avot, accompanied by prizes. The program was organized and led by Rabbi Gavriel Shalamov, Chabad emissary and rabbi of Ivanovo.
The seminar and Shabbaton were successfully produced under the leadership of EnerJew regional director Natella Epstein. Rabbi Avraham Denisov led the rabbinic team accompanying the Shabbaton, together with Rabbi Moshe Rochlin from EnerJew’s leadership.
Since its founding in 2013, EnerJew — generously supported by the Finger Family Foundation — has become a transformative force in Jewish life across the FSU. By promoting Jewish identity, youth activism, and leadership, the movement has empowered more than 14,000 graduates to reconnect with their heritage. Today, EnerJew operates 73 branches in 10 countries, engaging thousands of Jewish teenagers and helping shape the next generation of FSU Jewish community leaders.
