Jewish Summer Camp Concludes in West Siberia

OMSK, Russia — In western Siberia, the Jewish community of Omsk has concluded a summer camp for children in the first through fifth grades at the Ohr Avner Chabad Day School and other state-run schools in the city. This retreat certainly gave the youngsters the opportunity to become better acquainted with Jewish traditions and lifestyle.

This is the seventh year that the camp took place. Held at the ‘Rassvet’ resort site, participants met Shabbat and took advantage of what was a long weekend in Russia. A good variety of educational and entertaining events were planned for these enthusiasts by Rachel Krichevsky and Oksana Tsherbak, who works at the Jewish school. The campers learned about the international ‘Armin Boga’ organization, which is dedicated to encouraging and helping children overcome their own personal weaknesses.

Irina Shpakina, the Director of the Ohr Avner Chabad Day School in Omsk, and Chief Rabbi of Omsk Osher Krichevsky also took part in this fun-filled camp program. The keeners were kept busy throughout these days by a number of activities, which included contests, knowledge-based games, group activities, outings, and crafts. “Apart from helping these pupils to relax, this camp also helped to bring those kids who do not study at the Jewish school closer to their heritage and Jewish culture,” explained Irina Shpakina.

The Jewish community of Omsk and the Ohr Avner Chabad Day School expresses its gratitude to the Ohr Avner Foundation, headed by renowned philanthropist and FJC President Lev Leviev, for its sponsorship, without which this camp would not have been possible.