Once again, YAHAD’s unique ‘Torah Club’ opened its doors to vibrant Jewish students and young professionals from Russia, Belarus, Georgia, other FSU countries, and even Israel, inviting them to participate in a special Jewish educational seminar packed with experiences and knowledge in the heart of Moscow.

Hosted by the Zhukovka JCC, located in a beautiful premium center, 47 young men spent a sunny summer week in mid-August studying Jewish heritage and Torah, praying, sailing in regattas, enjoying excursions to Jewish historical sites, and participating in various interactive workshops, sessions, and fascinating Chassidic gatherings.

The highlight of the seminar was a trip to spend Shabbat in the Chassidic village of Lubavitch. The participants immersed themselves in the incredible atmosphere of the Jewish shtetl, learning and singing Chassidic melodies, studying Chassidic philosophy, exploring the history of Chassidism, and visiting the resting place of the revered Chassidic sages, the Rebbe Tzemach Tzedek and the Rebbe Maharash.

This unique Torah Club seminar became a reality thanks to the efforts of Rabbi Mendy Wilansky, director of the FJC’s YAHAD Jewish educational platform, and organizers Rabbi David Ariel Shapiro, Rabbi Yitzchak Zilberberg, and teachers Rabbi Dan Lokshin, Rabbi Alexander Grishin, Rabbi Nisson Pill, and Rabbi Gershon Gurevich.

The inspired participants returned home with the five books they studied during the seminar, thanks to the 770 Foundation, headed by Rabbi Yehuda Davyadov.

“We believe that this seminar will serve as a catalyst for the mental and spiritual growth of FSU youth!” concluded Rabbi Mendy Wilansky. “The rare opportunity to immerse for just over a week straight in thought and spirituality, taking a break from all other concerns and tasks, has proven itself to be a game-changer for the youngsters—an experience they will carry with them for life.”