Russian Jewish Krug, Innovative Jewish Education for Children and Parents
Sponsored by Hebrew Learning Circles and COJECO
Pilot Project
Hello dear friends!
We just started the year and it's already February... unbelievable. New month brings us different cultural events and initiatives and we're happy to tell you what's new at COJECO and in Russian-Jewish life in New York and New Jersey.
First, we would like to introduce an innovative Jewish educational project for the families: RJkrug.
RJkrug is a new Jewish learning initiative for and by the Russian-speaking Jewish families in the New York Metropolitan area. The program is a joint effort of COJECO, Hebrew Learning Circles (headed by Rabbi Reuben Modek), iMishpacha and RJeneration. With the goal of bringing Jewish learning and 'Judaism' in it's true sense, first to the kids, and as such to the families and community, it adapts the unique "Hebrew Learning Circles" educational model of the Jewish school without walls reaching out to, and addressing the specific Jewish needs of the Russian-speaking community.
Small Circles (7 families maximum) meet at host families' homes for classes focusing on various aspects of Jewish civilization, Jewish culture and history, modern Jewish world, Israel, and Russian Jewish heritage, for both, children and parents.The custom made curriculum of each individual Krug is designed as a mutual product of parents, their children, leaders of participating organizations and with the expert help of professional Jewish educators. Community holiday events and excursions, family educational trips, and retreats will be integrated into the RJkrug's itinerary.
Families of iMishpacha and RJeneration under the leadership of Lenny and Anna Gussel of RJeneration, Lenny Vayner, Dmitriy & Inna Nadelson of iMishpacha met this pluralistic, non-ideological and indoctrination free initiative that offered a warm and friendly home atmosphere with the great enthusiasm. Based on our successful initial experience we are looking forward to opening the full-scale RJkrug program with new family circles starting from the new academic year.
Keep reading for more fun happenings in the RSJ community.
COJECO New Jersey
COJECO NJ invites you to come together for a
Community Kabbalat Shabbat.
Join us for an informal celebration with a festive Kosher meal in the company of other RSJ families.
COJECO invites you to show your real power - the power of your intellect! What matters here is your knowledge, erudition, logic, intuition, a drive to win and a little bit of luck!
After a huge success on his previous US tour we're thrilled to invite you to an evening of brilliant Russian-Israeli stand-up comedy with Ilya Akselrod. His show is intelligent and hilarious, talks about Israel in a witty and fun way.
Eighth Annual Diaspora - Israeli-Russian Film Festival
organized by the Russian American Cultural Center
A prominent international forum presenting films by Russian émigré filmmakers, with a focus on the immigrant experience and the search for a new cultural identity.
Ida K. Lang Recital Hall at Hunter College
Sunday, February 3, 2pm-8pm
This event is free. For more info please click here
Community Events and Opportunities
Marks JCH invites you to Pop Up PJ Tu B' Shvat Plant & Paint Party
Join us for an exciting Tu B' Shvat celebration where we will enjoy an interactive musical performance, art activities, and a festive dinner together.
Simultaneous Chess Exhibition with International Chess Grandmaster
Chess Grandmaster Gennady Sagalchik will play a simultaneous exhibition for chess aficiondos of all levels. Beginners and Advanced players are welcome alike!
Generation R Literary Night with Boris Fishman: Book Release: Savage Feast...
Be among the first to hear Generation R favorite Boris Fishman read from his new memoir Savage Feast: Three Generations, Two Continents, and a Dinner Table.
SIGNED COPY OF THE BOOK INCLUDED IN THE TICKET PRICE
The Hebrew Free Loan Society (HFLS) may be able to help.
For 125 years, HFLS has been providing 0% interest loans to low- and moderate-income New Yorkers in need. Loans are available for emergency and personal needs, higher education, vocational school, small business start-up or expansion, fertility treatments, adoption, and more. All HFLS loans have no interest, no fees, and reasonable repayment terms.
Visit the HFLS website at www.HFLS.org to learn about loan programs and eligibility, or contact HFLS at (212) 687-0188 or info@HFLS.org.
HFLS a non-profit, UJA-Federation core partner agency.
Russian-speaking Facilitators Needed for
Virtual Senior Center Program
Using simple video-chat technology, homebound seniors participate in online programs facilitated by volunteers in a wide-ranging array of topics. Volunteers lead recurring classes from their home or office computer with a range of flexible scheduling options during the day, evening or weekend. Facilitating one hour, interactive classes on diverse topics enables you and the homebound seniors to have meaningful interactions.
Selfhelp is looking for Russian-speaking facilitators for the Virtual Senior Center, to participate in one hour class (on any topic that facilitator chooses: music and art appreciation, history, current events, seated exercise, games, health/wellness, sports, the sciences, cultures, travel, and literature. Any new ideas are welcome!)
Established in 2001, COJECO is the central hub of the Russian-speaking Jewish community of NY that facilitates successful integration of Russian-speaking Jews into the greater Jewish community, while preserving our unique cultural heritage. Learn more at
www.cojeco.org.
