Young Jewish Men Embark on Inspirational Journey Through Belarus
Fifty Jewish students and young professionals from across Russia and the neighboring region, recently completed an intensive weeklong heritage journey across Belarus, as part of the special YAHAD ‘Torah Club’ program designed for young men aged 18 to 33. The initiative is aimed at deepening Jewish identity by connecting participants with their heritage, history, and contemporary Jewish life in the region.
The journey began on Sunday the 30th of Av in Minsk and continued for seven consecutive days, with participants visiting a different city nearly every day. At each stop, they explored historic Jewish sites, local synagogues, and Jewish communities, while also engaging in inspiring lectures, workshops, and Chassidic farbrengens. Among the lecturers were Rabbis Reuven Kuravsky, Moshe Rochlin, David Kalman Osadchi, and Alexander Grishin, and the Chief Rabbis of the cities visited.
“The goal was to reach as many cities in Belarus as possible that have a Jewish past or present,” shared Rabbi David Shapiro, one of the organizers. “Unfortunately, very little remains from that past—mostly just memories of the war. What continues to grow are the institutions and vibrant Jewish life that Chabad emissaries and rabbis are building.”
Highlights of the trip included visits to Bobruisk, Shklov, and Mogilev—where participants toured the impressive newly opened Jewish educational center. They also visited Vitebsk, with its rich Jewish history and the city’s new synagogue built by Rabbi Yitzchak Kogan.
The journey culminated in a moving Shabbat experience in the historic Chassidic town of Lubavitch. “After a full week of meaningful preparation, the students were truly ready for a deep encounter with Yiddishkeit,” said Rabbi Shapiro. “The atmosphere was warm and uplifting, and left a lasting impression.”
The program concluded with a visit in Smolensk, and a celebratory ceremony where each participant received a diploma and an iPad packed with Jewish content as a souvenir marking their completion of the weeklong track. Among those present were Rabbi Mendy Wilansky, director of YAHAD, which established and supports the ‘Torah Club’ initiative, and Chief Rabbi of Russia, Berel Lazar.
