To the Sound of Shofar: A New and Promising School Year Opens in Jewish FSU

With great excitement and hope for a fruitful and successful academic year, the new school year was launched in hundreds of formal educational institutions and informal educational projects in over 100 cities across 11 countries in the former Soviet Union.

Enthusiastic parents accompanied their children as they embarked on a new year of emotional and mental development, along with academic excellence, within the FJC’s ‘Or Avner’ network, which has been operating in these countries for over 30 years and has gained a significant reputation and demand.

As is tradition, on the first day of school, “The First Bell Ceremony” was held with the participation of students, their parents, city rabbis, educational staff, special guests, and public figures. The shofar was sounded at these special events, and community leaders delivered words of blessing.

In addition, the informal educational projects, also run by the Federation of Jewish Communities, began their new season with thousands of Jewish students participating. These include the SmartJ afternoon school network, the JFuture Sunday Hebrew school network, the Darkeinu Jewish heritage educational program, the EnerJew youth movement, and the YAHAD study programs for students and young professionals.

“We face a challenging year,” stated the FJC management, “but it is filled with hope and positive energy as we continue our work for the Jewish students, who are our top priority. Jewish education is the most important factor for the future generation, ensuring their continuity and connection to their roots and values. We pay close attention to every detail accordingly. Our goal is to ensure that no Jewish child is left without high-quality, values-based education.”