From Russia to Crown Heights: A Transformative Trip for Jewish Students
A group of 30 Jewish students and young professionals from Russia and other FSU countries, participated in a unique educational and spiritual journey to New York organized by YAHAD. The week-long trip, which began in late Elul, culminated in a visit to the heart of Jewish life in the United States.
The idea for the journey emerged spontaneously during YAHAD’s recent mission to China, where the participants took on thousands of personal commitments to deepen their connection to Jewish life. From that experience, over 30 male and female students were selected – as representatives – for this historic trip to New York and the international headquarters of the Chabad movement.
The delegation was led by Rabbi Shimon Bergman and his wife Yael, the Chief Rabbi and Rebbetzin of Nizhny Novgorod, Russia. The trip was marked by a high level of hospitality and careful attention to every detail, combining meaningful spiritual engagement with enjoyment and cultural exposure.
The first day, Tuesday, was dedicated to exploring the central attractions of New York City, offering the participants a first taste of American culture. Wednesday focused on spiritual elevation, including Torah classes and heartfelt prayer in preparation for visiting the Rebbe’s sacred resting place in Queens. As is customary, the students wrote their personal prayers on paper before entering the Rebbe’s Ohel, where they spent time in reflection and connection.
On Thursday, the group traveled to Washington, D.C., where they visited the Holocaust Memorial Museum, historic landmarks, and the White House. A highlight of the day was a meeting with Chabad’s emissary in the capital, Rabbi Levi Shemtov, known for his outreach within government circles. The journey then continued to Pennsylvania.
Friday was centered around the Chabad World Headquarters at 770 Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn. The students toured the Rebbe’s study, the main synagogue, the famous broadcasting room, and the vast library filled with rare Judaic treasures. They also visited the vibrant Crown Heights neighborhood, filled with kosher eateries and Judaica stores.
Shabbat was spent in spiritual immersion at 770, and the program concluded Sunday with a final visit to the Ohel and a summary meeting in Manhattan before returning home.
Rabbi Mendy Wilansky, director of YAHAD operating under the Federation of Jewish Communities (FJC), expressed his deep emotion following the journey. “It is inspiring to witness the profound connection of our young generation to authentic, rooted Judaism and their natural openness to spirituality and growth, especially as we approached the High Holidays. Special thanks to Russia’s Chief Rabbi Berel Lazar, whose vision and initiative made this life-changing journey possible for hundreds of young Jews and their families.”
