The STARS Ukraine Jewish youth education program held their first Yeshivacation retreat in a picturesque resort near Kiev.
50 young men from all over Ukraine spent a week immersed in their heritage and experience first-hand what it’s like to be a ‘Jewish scholar.
As noted by Russia’s Chief Rabbi Berel Lazar, it is important to pay special attention to development of youth movement. “Such seminars as Yeshivacation give our young people the opportunity to dive into the world of Torah learning, an experience that was simply not available to them when they were growing up,” he said.
The theme of the seminar was Shabbos, since Shabbos is the centerpiece of Jewish life. An international team of lecturers and youth leaders has been brought together, with representatives from the Moscow Tomchei temimim yeshiva.
“We wanted that our seminar be filled with exciting programs and interesting lectures. I know that the boys went back home enthusiastic and proud of their Jewish heritage,” says Zalman Bokarev, director of STARS Ukraine.
The successful experience of the Yahad organization is what pushes us to make this seminar, and Mendy Wilansky, Yahad head helped with it. YAHAD-the parent platform of Stars Ukraine, has a big experience in work with Jewish youth all over CIS countries and their knowledge was very useful and helpful while conducting the seminar.
The Jewish philosophy, culture and traditions in combination with a rich entertainment program at the seminar made the week unforgettable for the participants.
Fascinating lectures and trainings, mountain skiing, farbrengens, good company, fun, songs and talks till the morning. These are things which Yeshivacation seminar participants will remember. They also had an opportunity for an open dialogue and discussion with the rabbis. The final and most powerful part of the entire week was Shabbos and Gala Dinner.
During the seminar, boys have undertaken various hachlotos, two of them underwent a Bris during the event.
“The mitzvos these boys took upon themselves with utmost sincerity, the inspiration to live as a Jew with pride, the love and care for Torah and mitzvot, that is what the entire seminar was all about,” said Rabbi Avi Cassel, US Director of the Olami organization and chairman of Stars International.
“Such a format of the event was something new and unusual”, says Rabbi Pinchas Wishedski, board member of Stars Ukraine. “We are very glad that the seminar was successful and boys were satisfied. Similar seminars were held in Israel and Moscow, and here in Ukraine it was the first time. We hope and we will do our best to hold Yeshivacation seminar for girls too in Ukraine.”
