Dozens of directors from FJC’s ‘Or Avner’ Jewish education network in Ukraine gathered recently in Dnipro for a three-day professional seminar focused on strengthening Jewish education, sharing best practices, and discussing the future of schools across the country.
The seminar, held at the Menorah Jewish Community Center with the support and guidance of Dnipro Chief Rabbi Shmuel Kaminezki, brought together 30 leaders of Jewish educational institutions from cities throughout Ukraine for an intensive program of professional development, pedagogical enrichment, and practical discussion.
Founded by Federation of Jewish Communities (FJC) President Mr. Lev Leviev, the ‘Or Avner’ school network continues to play a central role in Jewish life and education across Ukraine.
During the seminar, participants explored innovative teaching approaches, exchanged professional experience, and addressed the complex challenges currently facing Jewish schools and educational institutions.
Among the honored guests were Rabbi Shlomo Neeman, FJC Director of Activities and Educational department; Mrs. Chana Rinkov, Director of the ‘Or Avner’ Jewish Education Network; and Rabbi Simcha Levenharts, Director of JRNU – Chabad’s relief network in Ukraine.
The seminar was held with the support of JRNU, Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism, and United — a global initiative of the Ministry that supports more than 650 schools around the world by providing advanced methodologies, up-to-date educational content, and practical tools for creating inspiring learning environments.
A highlight of the gathering was a meeting with Rabbi Kaminezki, Chief Rabbi of Dnipro and the region, who offered words of encouragement and blessing to the school directors and addressed a wide range of questions related to education, Jewish family life, and strengthening Jewish identity.
The program also included visits to two leading Jewish educational institutions in Dnipro — the Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson Jewish School No. 144 and the Beit Chana International Humanitarian Pedagogical Institute — giving participants an opportunity to observe the community’s educational framework and learning environment firsthand.
Special attention was also devoted to the topic of safety and preparedness in educational institutions under current conditions. A dedicated session, titled “A Tradition of Responsibility: Schools Facing Threats,” was led by CWA Security Director Ilya Goldberg together with Maria Mironenko, head of the organization’s briefing department.
Additional sessions focused on new developments in the ‘Or Avner’ network in cooperation with United, an interactive business-style workshop titled “The School of Dreams: Challenges, Solutions and Values,” and a lecture on “Education versus Teaching: The Jewish Approach to Our Sacred Work.” Mr. Max Luria, Director of Russian-Speaking Programs at United, greeted the participants and led a meaningful professional activity for the school leaders.
Beyond the formal sessions, the seminar served as an important platform for professional connection and cooperation, enabling directors to exchange ideas, share successful educational methods, and strengthen ties among ‘Or Avner’ institutions throughout Ukraine.
