In a powerful display of unity and creativity, thousands of Jewish students and young professionals from across Russia and other FSU countries marked “Shabbat YAHAD” with a special interactive program that wove together Jewish history, heritage, and imagination.

Themed “Shabbat in Time: Doctor Who and Jewish History,” the event was developed by YAHAD’s creative department and held simultaneously in over 60 branches of the organization. The innovative concept invited participants aged 18 to 32 to become “time travelers,” journeying through generations—from Abraham Avinu to the Chassidic movement—on a mission to safeguard Jewish history.

Drawing inspiration from the popular sci-fi series Doctor Who, the storyline cast the fictional Amalekites as villains who had stolen the Tardis and sought to erase the Jewish people from history. The challenge for participants: decode hidden messages, repair the Tardis, and restore pivotal moments in Jewish history before time ran out.

“In parallel, in so many different locations at once, our unique Shabbat program managed to unite so many young Jews in a surprising, uplifting, and joyful event,” shared YAHAD Director Rabbi Mendy Wilansky.

The immersive experience featured dynamic group games, creative historical explorations, and team-based missions—each crafted to deepen participants’ connection to Jewish identity and collective memory in a fresh, engaging format.