The ‘Jewish Home’ center, HaBayit HaYehudi, dedicated to strengthening Jewish family life, successfully hosted its second Shabbaton for families in Moscow this past weekend. The event brought together more than 70 families—over 260 participants—for a full Shabbat program centered on marital relationships, communication, parenting and education, personal growth and development, and communal support.

The Shabbaton featured lectures, workshops, and private sessions led by experienced professionals in the fields of psychology and Jewish education. Among the presenters were Rabbi Alexander Fridmar, a senior Russian-speaking psychologist and lecturer from Israel; Dr. Ida Igra; and HaBayit HaYehudi’s staff members Arieh Aminov and Chana Esther Rochlin.

The children participated in a separate, structured program facilitated by trained counselors, enabling parents to fully engage in the sessions while also enjoying rest and reflection during Shabbat.

Rabbi Yechezkel Lazar, Director of HaBayit HaYehudi, noted that the theme of the Shabbaton—“I am to my beloved, and my beloved is to me”—was chosen to reflect the mutual investment required in both marital relationships and spiritual preparation during the month of Elul. “This Shabbaton provided families with a rare opportunity for both learning and rejuvenation. It also addressed a long-standing need in Moscow for programming that includes the entire family unit,” he said.

HaBayit HaYehudi continues to provide resources and support for Jewish families through a range of initiatives, including marriage preparation, parenting education, psychological counseling, and community events such as this Shabbaton.

The organization was established and operates under the supervision and encouragement of the Chief Rabbi of Russia, Berel Lazar, who also attended the Shabbaton and delivered words of blessing and inspiration.