Past Events
 | New Year Gifts for the VeteransIn December 2015, as a part of the 'L'Dor VaDor' volunteer initiative, Russian Jewish Division in cooperation with the Chicago Association of WWII veterans organized 250 New Year gifts for the Russian-speaking veterans in our community. Gifts included traditional Russian sweets, tea and New Year cards made by children from Russian daycare centers and kindergartens. All gifts were delivered by 28 RJD volunteers, among them 10 were young families with children, who wished a healthy new year to the veterans during their warm home visits. RJD staff have received numerous calls from the veterans thanking them for the attention from the younger generation . The veterans expressed that it was the most special and joyous gifts they could have received. This initiative was part of the Tikkun Project of Julia Bikbova in partnership with the Genesis Philanthropy Group. |
 | Holidays on Wheels 2015In December, the Chanukah holiday was brought to Russian-speaking daycares in the Chicago suburbs. RJD Board member, a teacher and Jewish educator Anna Gorbikoff led this initiative in 2 daycares engaging over 120 children ages 3-6 in Jewish story time and Chanukah-themed arts and crafts. |
 | 2015 Chanukah Mixer with RJDOn Tuesday, December 8th - RJD hosted a Chanukah Mixer where friends came together in celebration of the third night of Chanukah! A candle lighting was held and delicious donuts were eaten by all. New and old community members had an opportunity to engage and interact with one another. |
 | ‘A Backpack, A Bear & Eight Crate of Vodka’ - Meet Author: Lev GolinkinOn Sunday, December 6th the Spertus Institute held a talk, a book reading along with a Q&A with Author - Lev Golinkin on his One Book: One Community - 'A Backpack, A Bear & Eight Crates of Vodka'. Following the discussion, candles were lit in honor of the first night of Chanukah! Thank you to all RJD participants, Julie Smolyansky- CEO of Lifeway Foods for her wonderful introduction to Lev and the Spertus Institute for such a special night! |
 | What? Where? When? - ChanukahOn Sunday, December 6th, 45 children ages 8-13 and their parents gathered at the Rochelle Zell Jewish High School in Deerfield for a special event - Russian intellectual competition "What?Where?When" - Chanukkah edition. Led by RJD's Advisory Board member and the president of the LAERT Club Yuliy Kleban, event featured challenging questions for the teams of children and teams of parents, interesting educational information about Chanukah, music performance by young musicians from the Junior Klezmer Orchestra and the celebration of the first night of Chanukah with lighting of the menorah, latkes and donuts. This event was organized by the Russian Jewish Division of JUF in partnership with Chicago LAERT Club and Rochelle Zell Jewish High School and sponsored by the Genesis Philanthropy Group. |
 | David Broza - East Jerusalem, West JerusalemOn Thursday November 5th The Russian Jewish Division attended Chicago's Historic Music Box Theatre in honor of David Broza. The concert was part of the 2015 Chicago Festival of Israeli Cinema.
|
 | Russian JBaby October ClassesIn October 2015, in partnership with JBaby Chicago, RJD hold the second series of Mommy/Daddy and Me classes for families with children 0-24 months. With 9 families in attendance, all 4 classes took place in Weinger JCC in Northbrook and featured music and movements activities for kids, educational discussions for parents on topics such as 'Russian Jewish identity', 'bilingualism', 'Gratitude', 'Mindful parenting', and social time with bagels and tea for everybody. |
 | Russian Book Buddies in the SukkahOver 20 Russian-speaking Jewish families joined Russian Book Buddies on Sunday, October 4 at the Sukkah in Buffalo Grove. Kids made decorations for the Sukkah, holiday cards and learned about the holiday during the interactive Story Time. This program was organized together with Yachad Kids Academy of Buffalo Grove. Russian Book Buddies is one of the ongoing initiatives of the Russian Jewish Division in partnership with the JUF's Young Families, PJ Library and Genesis Philanthropy Group. It is an exciting free program for Russian-speaking young families with children ages 0-5. |
 | 2015 Tikkun Fellowship - Israeli Board Games & Wine MixerCongratulations Julia Grinberg! On Friday, August 14th, 2015 a recipient of the RJD's Tikkun Fellowship presented a night filled with Israeli board games, delicious shabbat dinner, music and giveaways! Guests enjoyed meeting new people in the community and socializing in a beautiful private lounge overlooking the Chicago skyline. Israeli nostalgia was surely the theme of the night - thank you to all who came out and supported! |
 | RJD's Coffee in the Loop - Russian Speaking ProfessionalsThis is an ongoing event that helps connect and engage Russian-Jewish young professionals. People are welcome to come on their lunch breaks and have an open discussion on various topics in our community, exciting upcoming events and anything relevant in the RSJ world. We hope through doing this we can inspire our community to bond together and meet new friends & colleagues. We encourage you to bring new members to the table! |
 | 2015 Tikkun Fellowship - Tu B'Av: Israeli National Love DayOn Sunday, August 9th, 2015 Alex Kislov, a recipient of the RJD's Tikkun Fellowship presented a beautiful night filled with Israeli spirit. In celebration of Tu B'Av- Israeli National Love Day, the evening included a live vocalist performance, DJ spinning music, delicious catering and a beautiful rooftop overlooking Chicago. The venue was held at Vertigo Sky Lounge where guests mingled and soaked up all the entertainment of the night! |
 | Shabbat under the StarsOn Friday August 10th, local Chicago young Jewish & Russian professionals gathered to celebrate Shabbat while enjoying Broadway classical performances by Stephen Sondheim. The night was filled with great conversation, delicious snacks and the weather couldn't have been better. Thank you to all who participated and who made this event a success! |
 | Third Annual Family RetreatOn June 12, 2015, twenty two Russian-speaking Jewish families with children gathered at the JCC Perltstein Resort in Wisconsin for the 3rd Annual Russian Jewish Division's (RJD) Family Retreat. Led by Vicky Glikin, a Russian-speaking cantor of Congregation Solel of Highland Park, and Anna Gorbikoff, a Jewish educator and the RJD's Board member, the retreat was a way for these families to get away from the daily hustle, relax, and connect with other families with similar background and a shared immigrant background and experiences. The families enjoyed collectively celebrating Shabbat, learning blessings and songs, a bonfire with s'mores, guitar and Russian songs, Maccabiada mini-games led by Camp Chai counselors, boat rides, and many more activities. See photos . |
 | Community Passover SederMore than 130 young families with children, grandparents and community members joined RJD and Synagogue F.R.E.E. for the First Seder on Friday, April 3rd in Riverwoods. Led by Rabbi Notik in both English and Russian, the evening featured many activities for children, a very educational Seder with explanations and a delicious meal. |
 | Russian JBaby March classesIn March 2015, in partnership with JBaby Chicago, RJD launched a new series of Mommy/Daddy and Me classes for families with children 0-24 months. With 13 families in attendance, all 4 classes took place in Weinger JCC in Northbrook and featured music and movements activities for kids, educational discussions for parents and social time with bagels and tea for everybody. Among featured topics and presenters were: 'Raising bilingual children', Marina Shvartsman, bilingual Russian-English speech-language pathologist; 'Mindful Parenting: Building blocks for happy and resilient children', Dr. Irena Persky, psychologist, founder of Wellbeing Treasured, Inc.; 'Parenting Between Cultures', Tatyana Fertelmeyster, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Founder and Principal of Connecting Differences LLC.; 'Gratitude', Cantor Vicky Glikin of Congregation Solel. The next series of 4 Russian JBaby classes will take place in October. |
 | Through Soviet Jewish EyesOn Sunday, February 22, over 200 people attended the Midwest premier of the unique photo exhibit "Through Soviet Jewish Eyes." Sponsored by Polsky Family Foundation and curated by professor David Sheer, the exhibition reveals a rarely seen prospective of World War II through the lens of the Soviet Jewish photojournalists. |
 | Purim Puppet ShowOn Sunday, February 22nd, 35 Russian-speaking families gathered for a Purim Puppet Show and Carnival with Nitsana Lazerus. Kids and parents enjoyed the interactive Holiday performance, made masks and tasted the traditional Purim Hamantaschen cookies. |
 | Foodie CelebrationOn Wednesday, February 4th, Russian Jewish Division and Center for Jewish Genetics organized a foodie celebration of the season: a sushi cooking class with chef Keith Wagner. Everyone had a chance to meet each other, learn the new cooking skills and enjoy their own sushi creations with some salad, wine, traditional sake and dessert. |
 | Entrepreneurship PanelOn Tuesday, January 27th, 2015, Chicago's second Russian Jewish Entrepreneurship event gathered over 100 attendees to hear the panel of successful entrepreneurs and risk-takers, who built their companies from scratch: Steve Kreynin, Forte Group, Igor Golubchik, Chicago Ethnic Media, Eddie Lichstein, Autoplicity.com. The young professionals’ crowd has also enjoyed networking opportunities, hors-d'oeuvres, and an open bar. |
 | Chanukah Family CelebrationOver 250 children, parents and grandparents joined Chanukah event on Sunday, December 7th, 2014. The event was organized in partnership with Solomon Schechter school and Yachad Kids Academy and featured a Chanukah Play put together by children and teachers from Yachad, holiday crafts, sing along, latkes and an opportunity to meet Schechter school families and alumni. |
 | Ethiopian Exodus: In Search of Lost TribesOn Sunday, January 11th, 2015 Igor Kogan, a freelance photographer and a recipient of the RJD's Tikkun Fellowship presented breathtaking photographs from his travels around Africa, including Beta Israel and Falash Mura villages, where Ethiopian Jews used to live prior to immigrating to Israel. The reception took place at Palette and Chisel Gallery located in the heart of the Gold Coast neighborhood and gathered close to 230 people. |
 | The YLD's Big EventOn Saturday, December 13th, RJD Advisory Board members hosted three Russian tables at the YLD's Big Event Fundraiser featuring Seth Meyers, the host of Late Night with Seth Meyers and an alum of Saturday Night Live! The event took place at the Sheraton Chicago and the comedy show was followed by an after-party. The Big Event is JUF’s premier fundraising event for the next generation of Jewish Chicagoans. The event raised approximately $333,000, with over 2,400 people in attendance. |
 | Fire and Ice Hanukkah CelebrationOn Saturday, December 20th RJD and CLUB 1948 invited everyone to the Fire and Ice Hanukkah Celebration in the city, where more than 235 young professionals celebrated one of the favorite holidays late into the night, with music and dance. The event also featured a Hanukkiah made from ice for the event, special live performances, Hanukkah drink specials, sufganiyot and donuts, Hanukkah treats and the candle lighting ceremony. |
 | Sukkot - Russian Book BuddiesOver 20 Russian-speaking Jewish families joined Russian Book Buddies on Sunday, October 12 at the Sukkah in Buffalo Grove. Kids made decorations for the Sukkah, holiday cards and learned about the holiday during the interactive Story Time. This program was organized together with Yachad Kids Academy of Buffalo Grove. Russian Book Buddies is one of the newest initiatives of the Russian Jewish Division in partnership with the JUF’s Young Families and the PJ Library. It is an exciting program for Russian-speaking young families with children ages 0–5. |
 | Echoes of Hope ConcertOn Sunday, October 19th at Nichols Concert Hall an acclaimed violinist David Lisker, Tikkun Fellowship recipient, a Juilliard graduate and former student of legendary violinist Itzhak Perlman, presented an unforgettable event celebrating the lives and music of Jewish composers affected by the Holocaust. David, along with 6 renowned musicians from the U.S., Europe and Israel, performed works by 9 inspiring individuals, 8 of whom perished in concentration camps. “This project allowed me to introduce inspiring composers, their stories and music to the Chicago public; bringing them out of the shadow of the Holocaust, and into the spotlight”, said David. Over 400 people attended the concert, including 75 Holocaust survivors. See photos |
 | Holidays on Wheels - September 2014In September 2014, RJD launched a new project – Holidays on Wheels, a new initiative in partnership with Russian-speaking daycares in the Chicago suburbs. RJD Board member, a teacher and Jewish educator Anna Gorbikoff took this initiative under her supervision, and together with cantor Vicky Glikin brought Rosh Hashanah holiday to 4 daycares engaging over 120 children ages 3-6 in Jewish story time and Rosh Hashanah themed arts and crafts. See photos |
 | Russian Book Buddies: Rosh HashanahClose to 15 Russian-speaking Jewish families joined Russian Book Buddies on Sunday, September 21 at the Barnes & Noble bookstore in Deerfield. Kids made Rosh Hashanah cards and honey holders and learned about the holiday during the interactive Story Time. Russian Book Buddies is one of the newest initiatives of the Russian Jewish Division in partnership with the JUF’s Young Families and the PJ Library. It is an exciting program for Russian-speaking young families with children ages 0–5. See photos |
 | End of Summer BonfireFor more than twenty years, Russian Jewish young adults gather by the campfire on the lake. More than 70 old and new friends came to this year's Bonfire at the end of August in Evanston. Warm atmosphere, guitar, delicious kosher pizza and traditional s'mores - the Annual Bonfire has become one of the most favorite events organized by the Russian Jewish Division. |
 | 2014 Summer Social MixerOver 50 Russian Jewish Young Professionals joined the Summer Social Mixer on the Packing House's rooftop on Wednesday, July 30th, 2014. The guests enjoyed an evening with a stunning view of Chicago skylights and had an opportunity to meet new and old friends. See photos |
.jpg) | Beach VolleyballOn Sunday, June 29th, a group of RJD young professionals gathered to play Beach Volleyball and enjoyed a wonderful summer day on the beach. |
 | Russian Family GetawaySecond annual Russian Family Getaway in Wisconsin gathered 21 families for a weekend of June 27-29, 2014 at the Perlstein Resort & Conference Center, the territory of Camp Chi in Wisconsin Dells. Weekend featured Shabbat celebration and discussions for parents with cantor Vicky Glikin, creative arts and crafts activities for children led by Zhenya Plechkina of NY’s Zshuk Art Initiative, boat rides and pool, bonfire and a great opportunity to connect with other families that share similar stories. See photos. |
 | Jewish Innovation and Entrepreneurship EventOn June 26th, 2014, Chicago's first Russian Jewish Innovation and Entrepreneurship event sponsored by RJD, Genesis Philanthropy Group and the Chicago Jewish Entrepreneurs Forum attracted close to 120 people. The event took place at the JUF's building and featured a panel of very successful young Russian Jewish entrepreneurs: Leon Oks, iCanvasART; Leo Friedman, iPromo; Stella Fayman, Matchist.com and Alex Friedman of the Peakstone Group. |
 | Russian Book Buddies celebrates ShabbatRussian-speaking Jewish families joined Russian Book Buddies on Sunday, June 22nd at the Barnes & Noble bookstore in Deerfield. Kids made Kiddush cups and challah covers and learned about Shabbat during the interactive Story Time. Russian Book Buddies is one of the newest initiatives of the Russian Jewish Division in partnership with the JUF Joyfully Jewish Book Buddies and the PJ Library. It is an exciting program for Russian-speaking young families with children ages 0–5. |
 | Yom Ha’atzmaut Family Concert – Lina OstovOn May 18th Yom Ha'atzmaut Family Concert gathered close to 200 people to celebrate Israel’s 66th Birthday. Organized by RJD’s Tikkun Fellow Lina Ostov and a musician Natasha Bodansky and sponsored by the Genesis Philanthropy Group, the concert featured 23 individual and group performances. 25 children from the Russian-speaking Jewish families were preparing for over a month and sang Israeli and Jewish songs, danced, played piano, guitars, violin, cello and recited poems. The concert was held at Solomon Schechter Day School in Northbrook and the school’s band, directed by Marsha Rosenson, performed at the concert as well. |
 | Idan Raichel Concert with RJDOn Thursday, May 15th, a group of RJD young professionals attended Idan Raichel ‘s concert. The Idan Raichel Project is now known around the world for its ambitious cross-cultural collaborations that changed the face of Israeli popular music. The concert was a part of Chicago’s Israeli Jazz & World Music Festival. |
 | Passover Puppet ShowRussian-speaking families gathered together on Sunday, April 13th for a special program – a Passover Puppet Show with Nitsana Lazerus. Kids and parents learned about the Passover Holiday in fun way while watching puppets show about Passover, singing in Russian, English and Hebrew and acting out together. The children were also making their own Passover plates before the show. |
 | Purim at a New Puppet HouseRussian-speaking families got together on
Sunday, March 16th to celebrate Purim at the very unique place in Chicagoland -
a new Puppet House (Dom Kukol) in Wheeling. |
 | A Night at the Steppenwolf TheaterOn Sunday, February 23rd, RJD young professionals joined for a night at the Steppenwolf Theater to watch "Russian Transport," play involving a story about a Russian Jewish family in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn. A play was also described as “a gritty but often humorous portrait of the immigrant nuclear family, ”which inspired the audience to discuss the immigration experience afterwards. |
 | 10th Russian ShabbatonClose to 130 people joined the 10th Russian Shabbaton on March 7-9th at the Hilton Chicago-Indian Lake Resort. A weekend retreat for Russian-speaking Jews in their 20s and 30s once again created community and inspired its participants. |
 | RJD's Skate with Israel 2014The largest Party on ice - the 9th Annual Skate with Israel! The Russian Jewish Community came to ice skate with the RJD and show their support for Israel! |
 | Russian Book Buddies celebrates Tu B'ShevatMore than 20 families joined Russian Book Buddies on Sunday, January 19th, at the Barnes & Noble bookstore in Deerfield! Kids made bird feeders, decorated the trees and learned about Tu B'Shevat Holiday during the interactive Story Time. Russian Book Buddies is one of the newest initiatives of the Russian Jewish Division in partnership with the JUF Joyfully Jewish Book Buddies and the PJ Library. It is an exciting program for Russian-speaking young families with children ages 0–5. |
 | Russian HanukkahMore than 20 Russian-speaking young families gathered on Sunday, December 1st in Buffalo Grove JCYS to celebrate the Hanukkah Holiday. Children lit the Menorah, engaged in arts and crafts, listen to Anna's Gorbikoff story about Latkes, sang Hanukkah songs led by Cantor Vicky Glikin, enjoyed donuts and met new friends. Families brought items for the annual Food Drive organized in conjunction with Jewish Relief Agency. |
 | Jukebox Groove Project - Jewish Music ConcertTerra Sounds School of Music & Arts, in partnership with the Russian Jewish Division, JUF presented JukeboxGroove, a Tikkun project by Aleks Romanenko on Sunday, November 17th, in Glenview. The JukeboxGroove project consisted of an interactive music presentation highlighting the works of prominent Jewish musicians and composers of several different genres. |
 | A Russian Sunday at Solomon SchechterMore than 20 families joined Russian Sunday event at Solomon Schechter School on November 3rd. Children were busy with crafts, nature art, scientific experiments, decorating bags and learning Hebrew. Parents had a chance to learn about the school, meet teachers and get more involved with the RJD. |
 | Yefim Rudminskys Rare Art - Reception and ExhibitionRJD in conjunction with Signature of Art Gallery, Glencoe, held a premier art event curated by Natalia Kogan: a reception of paintings by the late Ukrainian Jewish artist Yefim Rudminsky on Sunday, November 10th. See photos |
 | The Closing Night of the Chicago Festival of Israeli CinemaYoung Russian Jewish professionals joined the RJD for the screening of “The World is Funny” and a Happy Hour before the film, at the AMC Northbrook Court. |
 | Studio PinteleStudio Pintele was a community project by the Tikkun Fellow 2013 Sergey Mezhericher. 15 Russian Jewish children participated in creative theatre sessions every Sunday during the summer and prepared a performance 'Joyous Professions', which took place on Sunday, September 8th, 2013. |
 | Rosh Hashanah Dinner with F.R.E.E.Russian Jewish Division and the Synagogue F.R.E.E of Chicago organized a Rosh Hashanah Dinner and celebration on Wednesday, September 4th for the Russian Jewish Community in Chicago. Guest enjoyed the holiday services and a delicious dinner. |
 | Annual BonfireAnnual social end-of-summer campfire organized by the Russian Jewish Division gathered more than 80 people on Sunday, August 25th. Beautiful evening was filled with a cozy atmosphere around the fire, delicious kosher pizza and traditional s'mores. Many friendships and connections were made that evening and many stories were shared. |
 | Russian Book Buddies - Rosh HashanahOver 15 families joined the RJD for the First Russian Book Buddies at the Barnes and Noble in Deerfield on Sunday, August 25th! Children were engaged in fun arts and crafts projects and heard exciting story about Rosh Hashanah holiday. Russian Book Buddies is a new initiative of the Russian Jewish Division in partnership with the JUF Joyfully Jewish Book Buddies and the PJ Library. It is an exciting program for Russian-speaking young families with children ages 0–5. |
 | Beach Volleyball, Israeli StyleThe Russian Jewish Division, Russian Moishe House and Club 1948 partnered up for a Beach Volleyball day, Israeli Style. More than 40 young professionals enjoyed a wonderful summer day on the beach. |
 | Russian Leadership MeetingOn August 1st, RJD held a Russian Leadership Meeting - Open Table Discussion at the JUF. The evening was a great success and brought new ideas on building a stronger community. |
 | Sunday Bike Ride and PicnicOn Sunday, July 14th, Russian Jewish Young Professionals joined the leisure bike ride on the lake Michigan. The group had a chance to bike on the lake shore together, appreciate the scenery and enjoy a picnic in the park, in Hyde Park. |
 | Summer Social MixerOver 70 Russian Jewish Young Professionals joined Summer Social Mixer at the Market Bar on Tuesday, July 9th, 2013. Rooftop party with a stunning view of Chicago skylights brought many new people and new friendships were born. See photos. |
 | Russian Family RetreatFor the first time ever, RJD organized a Family Retreat for Russian-speaking young Jewish families in Chicago. The retreat took place on the weekend of June 28-30, 2013 at the Perlstein Resort in Wisconsin. Fifteen young families gathered to enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings and connect with their heritage. Read the article and see photos. |
 | Victory Day 2013RJD volunteers and community members once again came together to bring a holiday to over 300 Russian-speaking WWII veterans in Chicago. Celebrations around May 9th Victory Day (the day marks the capitulation of Nazi Germany to the Soviet Union in the WWII) took place in Skokie Library and in Zhivago Russian Restaurant. Volunteers and businesses congratulated the heroes with flowers and warm words of gratitude. Over 150 low mobility veterans were visited by volunteers at home. Read article |
 | A Meeting with a HeroMore than a 200 Russian-speaking Jewish community members gathered in Double Tree Hotel conference center in Skokie on Sunday, April 21st to meet with Yosef Mendelevich, the Hero of the Struggle for the Freedom of Soviet Jewry. ‘Against All Odds: the Epic Story of the Jew Who Took on Soviet System’ - was the name of the presentation held in Russian. Community members were inspired by a fascinating story and a great speaker. |
 | Russian Networking NightOver 80 people joined RJD's Networking Event on Thursday, March 14th at eSkape Bowling center in Buffalo Grove. Guest speaker professor from Northwestern University Michael Peshkin talked about turning ideas into companies and shared his success story. |
 | Purim Carnival 201350 families and over 150 people joined the Russian Purim Carnival for young families on Sunday, February 24th at the Wheeling Community Center. Children enjoyed arts and crafts, face painting, balloons, sang songs, participated in a Purim spiel and had an opportunity to learn about the holiday. |
 | Skate with Israel 2013Now a staple of the middle of the winter and a tradition in the Russian Jewish Community, the 8th Annual "Skate with Israel" was successful once again with over 120 participants ice-skating on Saturday night, January 26th in the Northbrook Sports Center. |
 | Russian Style Shabbat DinnerRussian-themed Shabbat gathered over 90 college students from all around Metropolitan Chicago at the Levine UIC Hillel on Friday, January 25th. Organized by Russian-speaking student leaders and co-sponsored by the RJD and KOACH, the evening offered a Russian- inspired meal preceded by two service options: an Orthodox minyan and an egalitarian minyan that featured discussion in addition to the fabulous tradition of acoustic Kabbalat Shabbat. |
 | A Mitzvah for a New YearJust a few days before the New Year over 400 gift packages were packed and delivered to the Russian WWII veterans in Chicago. Jewish businesses from the Northwest suburbs, group of Russian lawyers and about 40 volunteers from the Russian Jewish Division participated in this initiative. |
 | Russian Chanukah celebration for young familiesMore than a 100 Russian speaking community members gathered at the Weinger JCC in Northbrook, Dec. 16 for a Chanukah celebration. |
 | Chanukah with SeniorsRJD members and Russian Jewish students of Loyola Hillel organized a Chanukah event for Russian Jewish seniors from the 'Babushkin Dom' on Devon Street. Guests had traditional Hanukkah food, read poems about the holiday and listened to "Tumbalalaika" by Anna Sadhkin who performed in Yiddish, Russian and Ladino. |
 | RJD at the JUF Uptown CafeA number of Russian Jewish parents came with their children helped serve food for those in need. |
 | Evening with Rabbi Dr. Aaron Rakeffet-RothkoffRJD members gathered to hear the lecture "The long hand of the Mossad: the revival of Russian Jewry" by Rabbi Dr. Aaron Rakeffet-Rothkoff -- well-known teacher, author and historian, visiting from Israel. |
 | Movie night at the Festival of Israeli CinemaYong Russian Jewish professionals joined the RJD for the screening of “Salsa Tel Aviv” and a discussion at the AMC Northbrook Court. |
 | “Lunch and Learn” program with students at Northeastern University.10 students got together to discuss and reflect about the Book of Life and the role in played in the High Holidays. |
 | Russian Jewish Families Celebrate SukkotYoung Russian Jewish families got together to celebrate Sukkot holiday. Children were making Sukkah decorations and edible Sukkahs. A guest speaker, Russian-speaking cantor of the Solel congregation Vicky Glikin, was teaching about the holiday, played guitar and helped all guests perform Lulav blessings. |
 | Holocaust Victims Commemoration and presentation of the Album “Drobitsky Yar”On September 30th more than 300 community members gathered at the Illinois Holocaust Museum to commemorate 71 years since the Babi Yar massacre. RJD members volunteered at this event that was organized by Russian Newspaper Reklama. |
 | Rosh Hashanah for Russians: a great timeMore than a 100 Russian and non-Russian speaking community members gathered at the Synagogue F.R.E.E. for a Rosh Hashanah dinner. |
 | Summer's End SocialMore than 30 young adults joined the RJD for the social evening featuring professional musicians, drums workshop and pizza. |
 | BBQ celebrating Israel @ 64More than 130 Russian-speaking young adults came to celebrate Israel. |
 | Russian Jewish Networking Night a hit for young professionalsClose to 100 Russian-speaking Jewish young professionals were in attendance. |
 | Russian-speaking students find their I in IsraelParticipate in the 9th Annual Midwest Russian Shabbaton. |
 | 7th Annual Russian Shabbaton and Taglit-Birthright Alumni RetreatFrom February 19-21, 2010, over 60 Russian-speaking Jewish students gathered for Hillels Around Chicago seventh annual Russian Shabbaton. |
 | Russian Shabbaton highlights new generation of leadersAt the Shabbaton, participants can take time for introspection and learn about themselves through discussions with others. |
