Jewish communal life in the Euro-Asian region has transitioned to an online format

The threat of the spread of coronavirus has failed to paralyze the activities of the Jewish communities and organizations that constitute the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress. Conversely, the emergency mode has provided a new impetus for the mobilization of forces and the unification of people. Jewish life in the Euro-Asian region is actively developing online.

The Representation of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress in Central Asia (Association "Mitsva") has focused its efforts on expanding its online course base, developing web content, and training volunteer teachers for virtual education. 

The first online class in the new format was a Hebrew lesson within the popular course run by volunteers. Online classes for the volunteer project "Chess School", as well as choreography and fitness lessons, will also continue. 

The children's virtual educational program "Mini-club" is currently under development and will operate on the principle of a developmental center.

Weekly Shabbat gatherings have also transitioned online, and the first online Shabbat has already brought together 11 families. Classes dedicated to preparing for the upcoming Passover holiday are scheduled to begin shortly. 

Project Kesher — an international women's organization represented in 5 countries and operating with the support of the EAJC, has announced a series of webinars: ranging from financial literacy courses to meetings on the development of Jewish women's leadership.

The international Jewish youth organization Hillel CASE, operating with the support of the EAJC, has developed and is implementing a diverse online program, reaching a large number of young participants from different countries. 

151 teams from Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Georgia, Israel, the Netherlands, and the USA participated in the fourth game of the season for the online project "Quiz Box". 

Students of Hillel CASE welcomed Shabbat together online and took part in the "Let Shabbat Be" flashmob: over 100 students from Ukraine, Moldova, Belarus, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Israel posted photos of their Shabbat gatherings on Instagram.

The online Havdalah ceremony, marking the transition from the Sabbath to the weekdays and organized by Hillel Kyiv, was particularly warm. Hillel Kyiv also launched a new project in cooperation with Limmud Labs: the "Limmud Brain Labs" intellectual game, featuring 44 teams from Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Georgia, Israel, Azerbaijan, Russia, and Germany. The project's premiere attracted more than 200 participants, which is only the beginning.

The Jewish Association of the Philippines, a member organization of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress, continues to hold online classes for preschoolers, while for adults, the community offers lessons on baking challah and hosting Shabbat.  

Hillel Russia, operating with the support of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress, has transitioned all Hillel branches in the country to remote work and shifted educational programs to an online format. Under the new "Shabbat at Home" program, those interested receive a delivery package containing a Siddur, Shabbat candles, two challahs, and a bottle of kosher juice or wine. Hillel Russia also offers special online sessions for those hosting Shabbat on their own for the first time, and the entire team is actively developing online programs, including Passover celebrations.

The network of Jewish schools of the international educational platform JFuture — a flagship project of the EAJC — held its first online JFuture class in 28 cities worldwide. More than 500 young participants gathered at their computers and learned about the history and traditions of Passover. JFuture also invites children to take part in interactive online Hebrew lessons. 

The Russian Union of Jewish Students (RUJS), with the support of the EAJC, has launched a new online project that helps young people master spoken Hebrew: thematic selections of words and expressions in contemporary Hebrew are published daily on the union's social platforms. 

Students can participate in online meetings and discussions with Israeli journalists, political and public figures, as well as prominent rabbis and cultural figures.

Dear friends, together we will overcome these challenging times and unite even closer to protect our loved ones, our nation, and the entire world from this great calamity. Please stay home!