Weeks before the start of the new academic year, one hundred and twenty SmartJ coordinators and educators gathered in Kishinev and Baku for three-day seminars filled with tools and innovative ideas to continue and expand their life-changing educational work within Jewish communities across the former Soviet Union.

Operating for over six years in dozens of cities across the FSU, SmartJ offers a unique solution for the afternoon hours, providing extracurricular education for Jewish children aged 5 to 13 years who attend local and governmental preschools and elementary schools. The SmartJ Afternoon School network, operating within the framework of the Federation of Jewish Communities (FJC) in collaboration with the Israeli Ministry for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism, offers a wide range of advanced study programs with a fun and informal approach. These programs aim to instill Jewish values, life skills, and academic excellence in the children.

“It was a fabulous and refreshing experience,” said Mr. Shlomo Neman, Director of FJC’s Educational Programs, “to meet firsthand the dedicated and vibrant staff members who work tirelessly year-round to ensure Jewish continuity in the former Soviet Union. Thanks to each of them, thousands of Jewish children are strengthening their sense of identity, pride, and connection to their heritage.”

During the three-day seminars held in early August at two separate locations, the program’s dedicated staff received a well-deserved boost of energy and motivation for another year of impactful activity. They participated in workshops and lectures on various interesting topics and became familiar with SmartJ’s study program for 2025.