3 months ago

EnerJew Champions League Winter Seminars Inspire Jewish Youth Across FSU

Hundreds of Jewish teenagers from dozens of cities across Russia and other FSU countries participated in a series of regional seminars and Shabbatons organized by EnerJew, the FJC’s Jewish youth movement. These gatherings at four carefully selected locations provided participants with meaningful experiences of Jewish pride, empowerment, and connection • Full Story, Photos

The seminars were themed around “Champions League,” reflecting EnerJew’s focus for the current year on being an active player rather than a spectator in Jewish life. During these four-day programs, which featured immersive Shabbat experiences, participants engaged in enlightening workshops, lectures, prayer services, social games, team challenges, traditional Shabbat meals, musical events, tours, attractions, and Chassidic gatherings.

“The teenagers discovered their unique qualities and talents,” shared Rabbi Moshe Rochlin, “and learned how to apply them in practical Jewish living. They gained motivation to identify their areas of excellence and use these strengths to improve the world.”

In Rostov, a regional seminar brought together sixty-one participants under the guidance of the city’s Chief Rabbi and Chabad emissary, Rabbi Chaim Danzinger, and his wife, Rebbetzin Kaila, who orchestrated a comprehensive program. Youth from Rostov, Krasnodar, Vladikavkaz, Taganrog, and two additional cities in southern Russia participated in the successful seminar.

“Winter seminars are a great opportunity,” explained Rabbi Danzinger, “to break up the year and give teenagers another opportunity to receive Jewish energy, inspiration, pride, and encouragement to stay connected to their roots.”

A particularly successful seminar took place in Petergof, a historic suburb of Petersburg, opposite the famous Russian Royal Palace. This location holds special significance, with a rich history dating back to the times of the Jewish-Chassidic underground during the Communist era.

Ninety participants from Petersburg’s three clubs and branches in Bryansk, Nizhny Novgorod, Kaluga, Orel, and Kaliningrad enjoyed enriching content delivered by charismatic young rabbis and professional lecturers and staff.

Rabbi Shalom and Malki Pewzner, Chabad emissaries to Petersburg and directors of local EnerJew, meticulously organized the event. “It was inspiring to see the participants’ joy and excitement. The seminar had a genuine and long-lasting influence on their connection to Judaism and their self-definition as proud and engaged Jews,” they said.

In Togliatti, a unifying seminar brought together more than fifty Jewish youth from Samara, Saratov, Orenburg, and Togliatti. The event was led by local rabbis and Chabad emissaries Rabbi Shlomo and Rebbetzin Dina Deutsch from Samara, along with Rabbi Meir and Rebbetzin Devorah Fisher from Togliatti.

“Everything in this wonderful seminar,” said Rebbetzin Dina, “was packed with meaningful content, perfectly planned, and inspiring. The teenagers were filled with joy and positive energy, along with engaging ideas and values.”

The winter seminar series concluded in Minsk, Belarus, where thirty-four teenagers from Bobruisk, Minsk, Mogilev, and Gomel gathered together. Under the guidance of Chabad emissaries Rabbi Shneur and Rebbetzin Batya Deutsch, who also serve as the city’s spiritual leaders, the program successfully deepened participants’ Jewish knowledge and strengthened their connection to tradition.

EnerJew is FSU’s Jewish youth movement, currently celebrating its tenth year of activity, operates in over 70 branches across 10 countries, under the leadership of Chabad emissaries and the Federation of Jewish Communities.

Supported by the Finger Family Foundation, the organization engages thousands of Jewish teenagers aged 12 to 17, and has already empowered over 14,000 graduates to reconnect with their Jewish roots, creating a powerful network of young Jews revitalizing community life in the Former Soviet Union.