A three-day professional seminar for senior staff and project leaders of SmartJ from Russia and Belarus, recently took place in Tbilisi, Georgia. The gathering brought together methodologists, marketing professionals, and representatives of the central headquarters to review the achievements of the past academic year and lay the groundwork for the year ahead.

A central focus of the seminar was the preparation for the major SmartJ conference scheduled for August 2026 in Moscow, which will bring together educational center teams from across Russia and Belarus. The Tbilisi meeting concluded successfully, helping to shape the project’s strategic plans and future direction.

Among the keynote speakers and lecturers were Rabbi Shlomo Neeman, Head of the FJC Educational Department; Mrs. Chana Rynkov, Director of the Or Avner Jewish Education Network active across the FSU; Mrs. Avia Greenberg; Senior Jewish educator Mrs. Vera Blitstein; SmartJ Regional Director in Russia Mrs. Irina Alnenicheva; Mrs. Yana Klimova, Director of the SmartJ program; and Mr. Alexander (Sasha) Shlimak, CEO of SmartJ

SmartJ is a transformative Jewish educational initiative operating throughout the FSU, designed for children ages 5–13. Founded by the Federation of Jewish Communities (FJC) in partnership with Israel’s Ministry for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism. The program provides enriching after-school experiences that combine Jewish identity, academic enrichment, and contemporary life skills.

Aiming to strengthen participants’ connection to their Jewish heritage and Israel, SmartJ offers engaging non-formal educational programming focused on STEM studies, including robotics, scientific exploration, IT and technology, alongside Jewish heritage and values, English and Hebrew language development, teamwork, leadership, and community involvement.