We need to move beyond offering just a gateway to the Jewish community and Judaism 101 experiences but also a way for young adults to continue growing Jewishly. by Yasha Moz Ten years ago I was a university student in Ekaterinburg, Russia. Studying international relations was good, but as a local Hillel activist at the time, my most memorable education came from my involvement in Jewish life. Working at Jewish camps, going on Birthright, learning about Judaism at Hillel seminars and then sharing it with my peers and the larger community made for a very busy but also incredibly rewarding time. Still to this day, the connections I made all over the FSU form the core of my social and professional networks. … [Read more...]
Reflections: 20 Years of Hillel in the FSU
Posted on May 14, 2013 Written by
by Sanford R. Cardin In 1994, in the wake of the collapse of the former Soviet Union, Charles and Lynn Schusterman seized upon what they determined was a window of opportunity to begin rebuilding a sense of community among those whose Jewish identities had been repressed by the twin forces of the Holocaust and state-supported persecution. The Schustermans had traveled to the region several times in the 1980’s to meet refuseniks, and they knew there was a generation of young adults, embracing new identities in the post-Soviet era, who wanted to learn about their Jewish heritage and reclaim the traditions that had been too far out of reach for far too long. … [Read more...]
Wayne Firestone Named President of Genesis Prize Foundation
Posted on April 17, 2013 Written by
The Genesis Prize Foundation, the operating entity for the Genesis Prize, announced today that Wayne L. Firestone has been named its President. The annual $1 million Genesis Prize will be awarded to an accomplished, internationally renowned individual from anywhere in the world who is a role model in his/her community and who can inspire the younger generation of Jews worldwide. The inaugural Genesis Prize will be awarded in the spring of 2014 in Jerusalem by the Prime Minister of Israel. Firestone assumes his post on April 29th. … [Read more...]
Major Genesis Philanthropy Group Grant Boosts Brandeis’ Institute for Russian Jewry
Posted on April 10, 2013 Written by
Genesis Philanthropy Group (GPG) and Brandeis University have signed a multi-million dollar partnership agreement to support the further development and expansion of the Brandeis-Genesis Institute for Russian Jewry (BGI). BGI’s goal is to inspire the next generation of Russian-speaking Jewish community leaders, fortified by Jewish knowledge, systematic understanding of Russian Jewry and a commitment to Jewish people. … [Read more...]
A Bilingual Haggadah for Children from Russian-Speaking Jewish Families
Posted on March 21, 2013 Written by
From the Brandeis-Genesis Institute for Russian Jewry (BGI), comes a Haggadah for children from Russian-speaking Jewish families. Designed by Avraham Eli Tukachinsky, a Brandeis-Genesis Institute graduate from Haifa, this Haggadah will help make each family Seder a memorable and learning experience. Treated to a preview, Valerie Khaytina, Director of Strategic Philanthropy at Hebrew Charter School Center, told eJP, “This is beyond AWESOME. Exactly what I wanted for my daughter. Genesis made our holiday! I will share with all my friends … wow!!!” Click here to view or download the full version. about: The Brandeis Genesis Institue for Russian Jewry is an initiative that prepares Russian-speaking students from around the world to become effective community leaders fortified by Jewish … [Read more...]
10 Days That Last a Lifetime
Posted on February 17, 2013 Written by
If you ever ask yourself how long it takes to make a life changing decision, then Taglit provides the best answer - only 10 days. by Maryna Gaidak Just 10 days ago I made Aliyah and received Israeli citizenship. Just two weeks ago I finished a semester-long MASA program in Haifa. And only a year ago I completed my Taglit-Birthright journey. … [Read more...]
