Thousands of Jewish students and young professionals across Russia and the FSU are being invited to join a new season of the YAHAD Jewish studies program, which will culminate in the organization’s much-anticipated 2027 annual journey—this time to Greece.
The international trip has become one of the highlights of the YAHAD program. After completing the required schedule of weekly Jewish studies and gatherings for nine months throughout the year, hundreds of participants from communities across the region come together for several days abroad. The rich content program includes fascinating topics on Jewish heritage, tradition, history and culture.
Beyond the destination itself, the journey offers an unusual opportunity for young Russian-speaking Jews from different cities and countries to travel together, meet new friends and potential partners for life, and experience Jewish life as part of a large and diverse family.
“Our enrollment campaign for the 2027 season is gaining momentum,” says YAHAD Director Rabbi Mendy Wilansky. “The program reaches out to Jewish youth in Russia, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Estonia and Latvia, with the goal of deepening their connection to Jewish heritage through engaging weekly study sessions and gatherings. Upon completing the program, participants will take part in a journey designed to leave a lasting personal and Jewish impact.”
The chosen destination, Greece, offers a particularly rich setting for the annual voyage. Its ancient cities, Mediterranean coastline, islands, natural landscapes, architecture and distinctive culinary culture have made the country one of Europe’s best-known travel destinations.
Alongside its attractions, Greece also offers participants an opportunity to encounter Jewish history stretching back more than 2,000 years. Jewish life in the country includes the ancient Romaniote tradition as well as the Sephardic communities that later became an important part of Greek Jewish history. Thessaloniki, in particular, developed into one of Europe’s major centers of Jewish life.
Greece follows a long list of YAHAD destinations that has included countries across Western and Eastern Europe, Israel, Thailand, China and Brazil.
YAHAD, an initiative of the Federation of Jewish Communities (FJC), serves Jewish students and young professionals ages 18 to 28. Its weekly educational and social programs are designed to strengthen Jewish knowledge, identity and community involvement in an accessible environment for young adults.
