About 500 women from dozens of Jewish communities across Western and Central Ukraine, gathered recently for an uplifting seminar , ahead of the High Holiday season. The seminar took place in Medzhybizh (Medzhibozh), a town significant for Jewry worldwide as the the home and burial site of the Ba’al Shem Tov, the founder of the Chassidic movement.

The seminar included a festive meal, a discussion on Judaism and spirituality, a visit to the grave-site and a concert by a well-known Israeli singer Tzipi Koltonyuk.

The seminar proved to be a rejuvenating and much-needed retreat for the participants, many of whom came from very remote and isolated communities. “Most of the women here have been attending various community classes throughout the year, and the event came to mark the conclusion of their year of learning and the start of the new season,” said Mrs. Rachel Schneerson, one of the organizers.

The seminar was held as part of FJC’s communities pre-Rosh Hashana activities sweeping across FSU Jewish communities right now.