Dozens of young women from across the FSU took part in the recent Girls Yeshiva Vacation (GYV) seminar held in Moscow—an immersive, weeklong experience designed by YAHAD to strengthen Jewish identity, inspire growth, and offer tools for building a meaningful Jewish life.

The program included daily study sessions, discussions, and engaging workshops covering topics from Jewish leadership to personal development. A special emphasis was placed on the Jewish home, relationships, and values-based decision-making. One full day focused on preparing for Jewish marriage, with sessions led by local educators and a hands-on activity developed in collaboration with the emerging “Jewish Home” project in Moscow.

“The idea was not just to talk about tradition,” shared Rabbi Moshe Rochlin, “but to help each participant begin building her own values framework and discover where Judaism fits within it.”

The impact was immediate. One participant, just weeks away from her wedding, made a spontaneous decision during the final day to spend several months studying in a Jewish institute before her marriage. Others voiced interest in deepening their learning seeking a suitable program.

Lecturers included Rabbi Moshe and Chana Esther Rochlin, Rabbi Eli Kogan, Rabbi David Shapiro, Rabbi Menachem and Nesya Bushan, and Aidy Kuravsky, each contributing to a dynamic and meaningful atmosphere throughout the seminar.

From practical classes on Jewish texts and traditions to spirited Shabbat experiences and interactive late-night sessions, GYV left a strong impression—one many participants hope will grow into a long-term journey.