This Sunday we started a new class for students and young professionals. We are going through the entire Kitzur Shulchan Aruch so that everyone will have a basic knowledge in day to day laws enabling them to keep Torah and Mitzvos.
Yura, a resident of Rostov, began attending a social group for young professionals at the synagogue in 2011. Growing up, he had never had any connection to Judaism – he did not even have a bris milah – and only knew he was Jewish because his family were identified as Jews on their passports.
In 2007 he joined a birthright trip to Israel and later he toured Holocaust sites in Poland. Gradually, he felt a spiritual awakening and grew more involved in the Jewish community in Rostov, joining the Young Professionals Group.
“During this period,” Yura said, “The community has transformed. We have a new Rabbi, a new relatively young Chairman of the community, and a new enthusiastic youth leader. It became clear why we are here, where we are going, and what we can and must do for the common aim, for Jewish life.”
The classes and discussion groups that Yura attended piqued his interest and as he built a relationship with the Rabbi, and explored his Jewish identity, he decided to seek advice about a chest of antiquities that he had discovered in his grandparent’s attic. Rabbi Chaim Danzinger helped him sort through the items and they were astonished to discover several well-worn holy books dating back to 1899, an old pair of tefillin from Yura’s great-grandfather, also from the late 1800′s, and other Judaic articles. Yura was so excited and moved to find that his family had secretly guarded and preserved these precious items throughout the decades of Communist rule. The ancient Tefillin he found were a source of fascination for other young members of the community, who were humbled to see this link to the past.
After attending an inspiring kosher chuppa in the community this spring, Yura committed to only marry someone Jewish. Yura has proudly chosen to uphold the rich personal legacy he discovered in his grandparent’s attic. He recently celebrated his bris milah, where he was presented with a new and kosher set of Tefillin, and he chose to be known by the name of Adam.
Regarding having a circumcision at 26 years of age, he said with humility, “I thought it over carefully before doing it. I know that I have not only fulfilled a great commandment and entered into an agreement with G-d, but I have done this for the future of our community.”
As nature is blossoming this spring season we are also witnessing the growth and rejuvenation of a community, with a new generation of young people discovering their Jewish heritage through Chabad.
This past weekend 55 students from various cities in Russia gathered in Rostov for a unique Shabbaton featuring inspiring lectures, games and lively discussions. This special gathering ignited an interest in Judaism among many young people who are the future of the community.
The Shabbaton began with an outdoor Kabbalas Shabbos filled with joyous singing and dancing on the street. The Friday night meal turned into a farbrengen which lasted until 3:00 am, listening to Jewish stories and engaging in thought-provoking discussions about the importance of marrying Jewish and establishing a Jewish home.
During the Torah reading on Shabbos 4 girls chose Jewish names and five boys were called up to the Torah for the very first time in their lives. On Shabbos afternoon participants attended a variety of lectures, and during Seuda Shlishis students shared inspiring stories from their personal lives. One girl mentioned that ever since her great-grandparents were killed by the Nazis, her family has hidden their Jewish identity. But around a year ago she decided to visit the shul and realized that being Jewish does not have to be kept secret anymore.
Motzei Shabbos the program continued after havdallah with a BBQ, a question and answer session and discussions lasting until the morning. On Sunday students put on teffilin for first time and attended two more lectures. At the conclusion of the Shabbaton, during a feedback session, one student commented, “it’s amazing to see so many people come so far in their awareness and observance of traditions, it’s really inspiring”. All the students who attended indicated a strong desire to share in more programs and Shabbatons of this nature.
“This Shabbaton opened my eyes to the tremendous potential for growth among the young people in the community,” said Rabbi Chaim Danzinger. “Seeing how much each student gained from this event makes me feel that we have to redouble our efforts to reach out to the youth IY”H, with programs that engage them and raise their awareness.”
This Shabbaton was made possible through a generous grant from the Miralishvili Fund (Keren Miralishvili)
On the Seventh night of Chanukah, students and young professionals gathered in a rented out cafe for a Chanukah party. The party featured live Jewish music, fun games, socializing and of course a menorah lighting. Despite the snowy blizzard raging outside, the cafe was filled with 120 students.
On the last night of Chol Hamoed, over 70 college-aged students and young professionals gathered for an exciting Sukkos program. They enjoyed pizza, a competitive Sukkos contest, music, and socializing. For many of them this was their first time fulfilling the mitzvah of Lulav and Esrog and sitting in a Sukkah. Rabbi Chaim Danzinger shared a story of Sukkos and elaborated on the significance of this Yom Tov, encouraging everyone to become more involved in Judaism.
Some of these students joined us this past summer on our bi-annual Birthright (Taglit) trip to Israel, and are now proudly continuing their journey exploring their Jewish roots.
In August, 40 Jewish students from Rostov experienced the trip of a lifetime going to Israel on a 10 day Birthright trip (Taglit). This was the second time this year that such a group was sent from Rostov, and plans are already underway for an upcoming trip this winter.
It was an incredible experience for them! They visited Safed, Tiberias, the Dead Sea as well as many other cities… The highlight of their trip was a Shabbat spent in Jerusalem and their visit to the Western Wall. Most of them experienced Shabbat for the first time, and came back with a real sense of Jewish pride.
Since their arrival back in Rostov many have started attending Shabbat services Friday night and about 10 of them have joined our STARS Judaism course.
A small Motzei Shabbos Farbrengen with some of Rostov’s Jewish Students… offering them a chance to meet the Rabbi and discuss matters pertaining to Jewish customs and observance.
