Shabbat Shalom from Russia!

So last week I had the amazing opportunity to Travel with the JDC (American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee) as a participant on their young adult trip “Inside Jewish Moscow.” The goal of the trip was for young adults to be exposed to the hardships and successes to the post Soviet Jewish community in Russia. Throughout the past fifteen to twenty years the JDC has implemented and helped financially support hundred of programs throughout Russia. During my trip I got a sneak peak into a variety of the programs including many preschools!

Tuesday I had the opportunity to explore a Jewish Russian overnight family camp which they called an “Eco Moshav.” This camp was for about 10-15 families and was organized through the local JCC.  The families rented out a large retreat center and throughout the week they were guided by Jewish educators to find connections between their Judaism and the nature around them. They planted a garden, went on hikes and took care of horses in a local stable. I was intrigued by their programs which were for children ages 6-12 and was amazed by how well older and younger children really worked together. I saw many older siblings being very protective of their younger sibs. Together we went on a hike to a “river” and then explored through a large field back to the center. It was quite the “field” trip!

Friday morning our group got a chance to see the JCC in action. Just like at TBS, the year-long preschool program was complete, but there were plenty of kids enjoying the JCC’s summer program.  I was thrilled when I heard that we would have a chance to sit in and participate in the Shabbat rituals of this children’s center. The oldest girls came up to light the Shabbat candles, with real fire and tea candles! After we blessed the grape juice and challah we had a quick snack while watching a show that the oldest campers performed for us. After the show and snack, we sang and danced to Shabbat songs in Hebrew and Yiddish. I tried to teach them the Dinosaur song, but it was met with many confused looks. However, I am pleased to share that “Bim Bam” is universal and all the children threw their hands up in the air as they screamed, HEY! It was quite a sight to see how the same joy and enthusiasm for Shabbat carries with that song across the globe.

Throughout my visit I saw four different children's centers and probably a dozen different classrooms and as many differences as I saw, I think I saw far more similarities: children playing with blocks, dressing up, singing songs and braiding challah. It was a reminder of the beauty of the global Jewish community and an eye opening experience to see how, from even such a young age, each child is truly a part of this community.