From Montenegro to Japan: A New Network of Jewish Sunday Schools Officially Launched

A new Jewish Sunday school has opened in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, marking the seventeenth institution established in recent months as part of the new JFUTURE educational project.

JFUTURE is a network of Jewish Sunday schools, designed primarily for families who have not previously taken an active part in the community life. The network, established with the support of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress, operates in countries such as Montenegro, Russia, Ukraine, Moldova, Serbia, Bulgaria, Japan, India, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan. The JFUTURE project has already engaged over 400 participants and continues to expand. By the end of 2019, it is planed to double the number of students and involve new communities in the project.

JFUTURE is a flagship project of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC). EAJC President Michael Mirilashvili emphasizes the significance of Jewish education: "We view Sunday schools as the foundation for raising a new generation of Jewish children. This format allows us to introduce Jewish history and tradition even to those families who, due to various circumstances, do not participate in local community activities. The new generation is the future of our people, and our primary objective is to familiarize them with the history and traditions of the Jewish nation. At the same time, within the JFUTURE framework, children acquire knowledge in science and art, enabling them to remain successful in modern society while preserving their Jewish identity."

The JFUTURE project received support from the Chief Rabbi of Russia, Berel Lazar: "We are pleased to participate actively in this new educational initiative aimed at strengthening the connection of hundreds of Jewish children with their people through the study of our history and traditions. It is gratifying that such a project has emerged at this time, when Jews in many countries face the critical challenge of preserving their national identity. Studying our heritage from an early age will assist these children in preserving their Jewish identity."

Rabbi Israel Kozlovsky, Chabad emissary in Mumbai, commented on the impact of JFUTURE on the local community: "Integrating Mumbai into the JFUTURE project has enabled us to engage new families in the activities of our community, which currently numbers approximately 2,000 people. We are witnessing our students sharing their acquired knowledge with their parents, introducing them to Jewish traditions and strengthening intergenerational ties. The local Bene Israel community has an ancient history and remained isolated for many centuries. Our Sunday school helps maintain the community's connection with Jewish people worldwide."

JFUTURE project participants are divided into age groups: J-fan (5-6 years), J-lab (7-9 years), J-profi (10-12 years), and parents. Each study group consists of 6 to 15 individuals. The project programs are developed by leading specialists based on advanced methodologies. Along with the Jewish curriculum, participants acquire knowledge in applied fields. The educational program is based on the STEAM approach: Science, Technologies, Engineering, Art, and Math. Classes are designed in accordance with the specific age characteristics of the participants.