In the past year, the Synagogue Council has effectively positioned itself at the center of Jewish outreach and programming for Russian-speaking Jews. Through partnerships with congregations, other Jewish agencies and a direct connection with the Russian Community Association of Massachusetts, programming and outreach has been livelier and more successful than in many years.

A major goal of Programs for Russian-speaking Jews (PRSJ) is to increase involvement of Jews from the Former Soviet Union, in the life of the Jewish community of Massachusetts and to achieve better understanding between Russian and American Jews.

Our major priorities are: Jewish Education, Jewish Culture and Enhanced Community involvement.

Mishpuha is a Boston-based social club for the Russian Jewish Young Adult community. The club was born back in 2002 and has hosted regular cultural, educational and social events ever since. The club's founders and organizers are Russian Young adults with an understanding of the needs and specific tastes of their peers. Therefore events are cool, fun and enjoyable! Please browse Mishpuha's website and check out the variety of events, pictures and information: (www.mishpuha.com)

In its third year of existence, the Russian Jewish Community School (RJCS) has almost doubled enrollment to close to 50 children and their families. RJCS is providing Jewish instruction and family education to adults and children every Sunday at Temple Bnai Moshe in Brighton.

RJCS offers an integrated learning environment for children every Sunday, providing a core Judaic curriculum with electives in music, theater, arts & crafts and dance. Every class includes a healthy balance of learning combined with action, discussion, contests and the arts. Classes are taught in Russian and is one of the prime motivators for enrollment. Family activities, generally focused around Jewish holidays, have increasingly become a hallmark of the RJCS program. The excitement generated by these programs and the warm interaction exhibited between parents and children are critical elements to the growing success of RJCS. For further information, visit RJCS' website: (www.bostonrjcs.org)

Yasher Koach to all involved in this exciting and important new endeavor!

Holiday and Shabbat programs, networking and resource support for agencies and congregations, a Children's Festival, and a tri-lingual aliyah card are but a few of the exciting initiatives which are being undertaken by the Synagogue Council's revitalized Program for Russian-speaking Jews. Word of the Aliyah Card -- making it possible for Russian-speaking Jews to recite the Torah blessings with their native language transliteration -- has spread nationally! The Rabbinical Council of America has asked for the Synagogue Council's assistance in making these cards available to their extensive membership -- Orthodox rabbis throughout North America.

For further information, please contact Vladimir Foygelman, Coordinator of Programs for Russian-speaking Jews at (617) 244-6506, ext. 45.

Programs for Russian-speaking Jews is made possible by generous grants from CJP and the
George & Beatrice Sherman Family Charitable Trust.