Many may not have heard of a new project in our city "Give a child a smile". Founders of the project: the Russian youth movement Ezra USA, and its always on the move general director David Roitman.
I am making this reportage from the office of this project in the "Ezra USA" building, which operates with support from the American Forum of Russian Jewry at 311 Sea Breeze Avenue in Brooklyn (commit this address to memory, I'll be glad if it proves useful). I derived much satisfaction from my conversation with Anna and Amanda, the two charming young ladies who manage and run the project, its volunteers. Anna and Amanda told me all about how this project came into being, and now it is up to me to inform my readers.

Apart from Ezra USA, the project is supported by another organization, called Larger Than Life (LTL). I can already tell you, that it was this organization, which helped making the contact with Israeli children's cancer hospitals.
So, it all started when the two inseparable friends Anne and Amanda decided to spend their leisure time on something useful and meaningful. Anne's attention was caught by the lot of children with cancer, whose numbers, unfortunately, are growing worldwide.

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Paparazzi Purim

This time Ezra Boston has decided to join the efforts with CHAI center –Chabbad of Brookline. In Rumor club in downtown Boston the traditional Megilat Ester was read, hamentashen were eaten, and hot dances were danced. Costumes were incredible, music was rocking, and the spirits were up!

On Friday, March 18th about 40 Russian Jewish young adults come to Ezra@Boston for real Shabbat celebration! Great food, good company, new and old friendships kept aflame and the traditional Friday Night ceremony, who could ask for anything else? And, of course, tea at Nika’s house is a wonderful finish for a great evening.

Fiddler on the Roof

This movie is a classic. It brought so many memories, so many well-known songs and stories. The participants had a chance to sink into the life of the Jewish shtetle for 3 hours; they also learn how their own babushkas and dedushkas used to live and were they came from. They were surprised to find out that those Jews who ended up in America in the beginning of the 20th century or at the dusk of that very century actually come from the same little villages in Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus.

The excitement went through the roof! Aviv graduates have been waiting for that moment for a long time. It was amazing to see 27 young leaders from 3 different generations of Aviv graduating in the same time. The word “Madrich” comes from the work “derech”—a path, a way, a road. Before they hit the road of their own, and before they know which path they lead the group, they should learn what their one way is, where they are going. And…. The Karaoke rocked!!!

Firelach--10th anniversary

A few of Ezra madrichim in Boston are a part of this amazing theatrical group, which celebrated its 10th anniversary this year. Ezra helped promote the event and brought about 15 young spectators, who drastically lowered the average age ratio at the event.

Tao and Chassidism

“Spirits and spirituality series” is a program running monthly in Ezra Boston. It’s always a great success, attracting intimate company of people and encouraging very interesting and deep conversations. At this particular meeting we discussed different streams in Judaism, and where they came from. The participants were surprised to find out that most probably some of their great-grandparents were real Chassidim.

Go for Zucker!

A funny German comedy made everybody laugh. The movie spoke about a shlemazle, German Jew, who is always looking for a trouble, while trying to keep Jewish laws. The participants gave a great feedback on the film. Sushi was a blast as usual

Beyond Manischewitz

A professional wine-taster gave her opinions on a selection of some very good kosher wines from Itali, California, France, and Israel. She explained what made a wine kosher, and what the significance of wine is in Jewish tradition. Accompanied by cheeses and fruit, this was a classy event.

Let My People Go: Refusenik Movement

It was a very interesting and a touching session. Edward Brodsky from the Jewish Agency for Israel came from New York to speak about the Refuseniks movement. The session included parts of the famous movie “Refusenik”, pictures and posters from that time period, as well as recollection of our own Refuseniks movement member, who could not speak about his experience without tears in his eyes.

NOODLE

A story about a young Chinese boy stuck without papers in Israel while his mother is deported to back to China. A young Israeli woman he is accidentally left with goes to great lengths to return the child to his mother becoming his temporary mother in the process. A thoughtful and modern story which puts one in touch with their parental feelings. Sushi was an excellent complement to the evening!

It was a very successful seminar with about 30 participants, 9 from Boston. During the trip the final stage of Toys drive project took place. This seminar is vital and absolutely necessary as it strengthens the Jewish identity and puts participants in larger perspective; gives them the sense of responsibility for the future of the entire Jewish nation. This program runs yearly.

“Good-Bye, Lenin”

The story happens in Germany during the fall of the Berlin Wall and unification between the West and East Germanys. The process described in the movie is very similar to one happened in Soviet Union after its fall. Good sushi and good and deep movie were a perfect combination for the cold December night.

Russian movie marathon brought memories long forgotten to many people as the comedies shown were familiar to most from their childhood in Russia years ago. The food was great and atmosphere was homely despite this many people being present. Altogether it was a wonderful trip to the past with laughter all around!

It was a great success. Yosi Yudborovsky came to Ezra Boston and spoke about Israel-Palestinian conflict and its origins. Instead of planned 1,5 hours the meeting lasted 2,5 hours, as the participants couldn’t stop asking questions.

On Friday, December 10th about 30 Russian Jewish young adults come to Ezra@Boston for real Shabbat celebration! Great food, good company, new and old friendships kept aflame and the traditional Friday Night ceremony, who could ask for anything else? Young people got talk and discuss all sorts of various topics including Jewish and human values.

Destiny and Predestination

The conversation took some very interesting turns, while participants discussed issues concerning the free will and destiny. Is it all predestined? Is there such thing as fate? Do we get to choose who we are, what we do with our lives? What is the Judaism’s view on these issues?

Channukah Party

Channukah party at the Russian restaurant Vernissage was a blast! Marvelous food, light alcoholic beverages, wonderful atmosphere created by Ezra staff ensured that every single guest had a great time. The party started with the exhibition called “The way it was or Back in the USSR”. Pictures from the times back in those days and some memories filled the room and created a very special atmosphere. Channukah candle lighting ceremony added meaning and a personal touch. The theme of the party resonated with everybody while the music played by our own DJ made sure everybody got to show their best on the dance floor. A success all around!

Channukaha and its lessons

Finally Ezra opened a new program that would concentrate on purely Jewish knowledge and Jewish studying. The program happens in partnership with JPULSE of Boston and takes place once a month. The first meeting was about Channukah and the meaning behind it. Rabbi J.P. Katz managed to get everyone very interested in the subject bringing up the most interesting issues.

Skating event

First Ezra Skating event was a blast! That’s why we decided to repeat it and had another round of Ice-Ice Ezra which attracted even more people than the first one. The atmosphere in the historical Skating Club of Boston was friendly and supportive. Ezra skating teachers (the madrichim who are the prosJ) taught those who needed help and guidance. When tired participants had a chance to stop at the Ezra table and have a slice of delicious Pizza

“Someone to run with”

Ezra Kino: "Someone To Run With". A powerful movie about a teenager caught in poverty and drugs brought Israel's everyday problems to the light. While most problems got solved by the characters in the movie, the audience captivated by the experience got involved in a discussion lasting long after the movie was over. A noted good experience exacerbated by food and drinks.

“My Perestroika” Screening

In the framework of Boston Jewish Film Festival Ezra people went out to see one of the unique movies covering the topic of Soviet history and Soviet reality. After the screening Ezra group gathered in a cozy atmosphere on Museum of Fine Arts of Boston to discuss the movie and remember what happened to the country we all came from, and what was the place of Russian Jews their.

“Late Love” By Gesher Theatre

The show was about 3 Holocaust survivors who met in Florida some 30 years after the war. Stories, memories, and laughter through sadness. The actors were brilliant; the audience was touched to tears by the taste of Yiddish food and sound of the Yiddish songs.

Daria--Ezra USA emissary in Boston--has spent a year working and giving the best of herself to the local young Russian-Jewish community. About 60 people have come to Nika’s and Daria’s house to eat some bliny (pancakes), hang out and express their appreciation to Daria before she went back to Israel.

“Ushpizin”

Ezra community watched a movie about a true miracle – and the power of prayer. Comic at times, sad at others, this movie was one of hope. The main couple prayed for a son but was throughout the movie “blessed” with ungrateful guests. Of course the conflict was reconciled by the end – but it was a bumpy ride for the audience. Sushi made the experience even more fun. After the movie participants discussed the movie and made key observations about the themes and character development.

Spirituality in Bed

Soooooo….this was definitely not a usual spirits and spirituality. There were spirits. There was spirituality. And there were lots of participants – all eager to know more about the role of spirituality in bed, from the Jewish perspective! People were interested and curious how different was the Jewish approach – and the meaning behind the difference. Everyone came away with more than they bargained for! The spirits helped facilitate the discussions.

Every semester Ezra Boston gives an opportunity for its Hanichim to study Hebrew .The classes take a place once a week in Ezra office in Brighton. During the semester students learn to read, write, and also practice some of conversation skills. Therefore, participants can choose advance or beginners classes and continue their studies next semester. “Studying Hebrew has always been my dream for several reasons. I am passionate about being Jewish and I want to learn as much as I can about my culture and history. I love Israel and I would like to move there one day and I want to be fluent in Hebrew. I also want to be able to pray in Hebrew when I go to the synagogue. Thank you for Ezra Boston for giving me great opportunity to study this language and make my dream coming true. Toda raba!” (Zhenya Ratskovskaya – student of Hebrew classes spring semester 2010)

Mystical Rosh Hashana - Jewish New Year 5771

This year – we combined Rosh HaShanah with Spirits and Spirituality to give the holiday a Kabbalistic twist. We dug deep into the Kabbalistic interpretation and discussed angels and demons, as well the four levels of existence. There was a home style seder and home-cooked delicious meal, and, of course, selyodka and red caviar. All of the participants had a chance to make a blessing for everyone else with a personal message. Hot apple cider was a big hit!

Every Friday night about 25 Russian Jewish Young adults come to Ezra@Boston for real Shabbat celebration. In addition to the tasty food, good company, new friendships and traditional Friday Night ceremony, Ezra Boston provides its participants great opportunity to take a part in educational and fun activities. Young people talk and discuss about different topics: from weekly torah portion to Jewish and human values.

“Alex in Love” This is a classic movie that explored the feelings of “teenage crush” and early wave of “Russian immigrants.” Everyone in the audience could relate to the main character who had a crush on an older cousin. After the movie – there was a wild discussion about the meaning and emotions of the characters and interpretations of the themes. Sushi was again a big hit. People cannot wait until the next movie.

Ezra Boston madrichim figured out that they were very tired of the hot summer weather and decided to bring some winter to the town. In the middle of the working week Tuesday, August 8, they took a brake and prepared this awesome event. Ezra Boston participants went to old Boston skating club where two madrichim and their friends taught three levels of skating classes: for beginner, advanced and professionals. No one was ignored by the Ezra teachers. In the end of the event, all participants had delicious Pizza dinner sponsored by Ezra@Boston. Participants said goodbye to each other and promised to repeat Ice-Ice Ezra event soon.

On August 8, Ezra Boston went to amazing Rafting trip in New Hampshire. Three hours of driving to the direction flew by because of the fun atmosphere on the bus – acquaintance games, jokes and funny personal stories. On the destination, Ezra group was met by three nice guides, who explained to us how to row the boat and follow safety rules. Participants had a lot of fun trying to drive between rocks in flowing water and in the end of the trip most of them jumped to the river for some summer swim. All of the hanichim were hungry and ready for BBQ, which were cooked on the backyard of NH Rating’s office. Ezra group finished the day with Birthday “leHaim” of one of participants. It was a great day for all of us!!!!

“Beautiful Mind” with Talmudic Explanations

How could one not feel sad and happy for the main character of this movie – a genius schizophrenic who at the end of his career is awarded a Nobel Prize. This was a first time where a “video Midrash” was designed – exploring the concepts of “what constitutes reality?” Everyone enjoyed the discussion and had something to say. And of course – the sushi was gone long before the movie was movie. The “video Midrash” was a big hit, too!

We discussed the differences between what constitutes and defines masculinity and femininity. How are they the same spiritually and how are they different? We explored the roles that men and women play in society and what are constitutes female and male roles. This was done in our backyard with drinks and dessert. Everybody came away with something new.

“MEAT AND LOVE”

Everyone wore beautiful white to this event of music, fun, games, eating meat, and songs on guitar. People mingled, were in great moods, and enjoyed celebrating the Jewish holiday of love. Team building games and activities were the major of the night. Everyone was able to meet each other, make connections, and bond. The night finished with watery watermelon!

Limmud FSU brings together and empowers young Russian Jewish adults who are revitalizing Jewish communities and culture in the countries of the Former Soviet Union, as well as in countries with Russian speakers around the world and you can’t find a better place to gather with your friends for a Reunion. That is exactly what Ezra USA did. Ezra participants spent the day attending sessions with community leaders, scholars and entertainers, as well as socializing. The evening ended with a very public “Thank You” to the great Madrichim of the summer of 2010.

Limmud FSU brings together and empowers young Russian Jewish adults who are revitalizing Jewish communities and culture in the countries of the Former Soviet Union, as well as in countries with Russian speakers around the world and you can’t find a better place to gather with your friends for a Reunion. That is exactly what Ezra USA did. Ezra participants spent the day attending sessions with community leaders, scholars and entertainers, as well as socializing. The evening ended with a very public “Thank You” to the great Madrichim of the summer of 2010.

Ezra participants had an amazing opportunity to hear the history of investments, and to ask all kinds of questions. After the money management seminar Ezra participants had a chance to meet real Israeli men: soldiers, tough and aggressive, risk-taking, and courageous. “Yossi and Jagger” is a very different movie as it shows Israeli men is a little bit different light. After the movie there was a presentation on the image of the Israeli men in Israel and outside of it.

Ezra Boston, amongst other 14 organizations, was one of the co-sponsors of the event organized by AJC ACCESS Boston, saying thank you and farewell to Consul General and Deputy Consul General of Israel to New England Nadav Tamir and Rony Yedidia. About 140 young professionals from the Boston Jewish community, members of Boston's young diplomatic corps, and young professionals from several community partners have joined the event. Ezra was represented with dignity!

Only the most adventurous people joined us for our one-day trip to New York. They had a unique opportunity to learn about New York mysteries and secrets, meet historical figures and mingle with their peers from New York and Boston. Ezra Boston trip to the Big Apple started from the walking tour of the Lower East Side, introducing its streets and historical buildings. It poured into the Central park with picnic and boating, Israel Day parade, and ended with the magnificent lights of the Times Sq. It was an amazing day!

"Schwartz Dynasty"--Movie and Sushi

“Schwartz Dynasty” is a unique Israeli movie which is build on stereotypes of different groups in Israeli society, but also manages to depict very accurately various issues in each single group, while laughing at them hysterically. The Russian culture meets Israeli culture, and something very interesting comes out. For the participants it was very interesting to see who the Russian immigrants are absorbed into Israeli society.

Middle Eastern Shavuot and Hookah night                                                                                                                                 

 

Shavuot is a celebration of the giving of the Torah, the holiest of the Jewish books. This Shavuot in Ezra Boston was a mix of Middle Eastern spirit and various Jewish and secular texts. Only that night Ezra participants could sink into the magic of the enchanted texts, hear the dessert stories, and enjoy the real Bedouin hospitality over the Middle Eastern food, Bedouin Chai and Hookah.

An unbielivable «Taglit» event for participants from all over the world was held at Binyaney Hauma the main concert hall of the jewish capital. Every single time it surprises the audience with incredible atmosphere of Jewish unity and love to the State of Israel. 250 participants of Ezra Taglit from the US and FSU were honored to be part of anniversary show of «Taglit Mega Event». There they saw a speech of Israel minister of finance Yuval Shtainetz, philontropists and main «Taglit» sponsors and donors and heard songs about Israel by special «Taglit» band. Famous israeli singer Haarel Skaat surprised the audience with singing «Atikva», Israel national anthem. The 10th Anniversary of «Taglit» was celebrated with a cake and fireshow at the end of the evening!

On May 8th, 2010 in hotel Shalom in Jerusalem took place a "Mega Event". At this event, five Ezra Taglit groups from the USA
and from the former Soviet Union came together . This type of gathering has become a very pleasant tradition for EZRA groups who come here from different parts of the world. The participants of these groups get to meet and greet and have a good time together. Also, in attendance at this event were important guests, such as Alex Miller, who is the Deputy of the Knesset from the political group "Our Home Israel" , Igal Yasinov, the Vice President of the Jewish National Fund, and Arik Nudelman, who is the representative of "Beyteyni Olami" and a member of the City Municipal at Ramat- Gan. Also, present was the President and representitive of the Tourism Agency "Tailormade". The atmopshere of the event was very festive and friendly. The night ended with Israeli National dancing and tasty cake.

 

On April 25- 30th, Ezra was hosted at the 4-day intensive Taglit Birthright Israel leadership training program for madrichim in Jerusalem. The focus of the seminar was, first and foremost, to train and prepare the young leaders to take student groups on Birthright Israel trips this summer, as well as strengthen their Jewish roots, and bonds to modern Israeli culture. The seminar was generously supported by Genesis Philanthropy Group and Taglit Birthright Israel. 

The seminar was specially designed for Russian speaking individuals from the former Soviet Union and represented four major organizations - Ezra, Hillel, Nativ, and JAFI. EZRA uniquely included together madrichim from all over the globe: Germany, North America, Israel, and FSU. The educational training was provided by the Institute of Informal Education headed by Dr. Dima Zicer. For the madrichim from Ezra, this seminar was more than just about training of a madrich, but also offered a wonderful opportunity to connect and make friendships with young leaders from other organizations. Participants were able to share experiences and goals and to grow in the process. Most importantly, madrichim from Ezra had a full week to practice working together with one another and learn to operate as individuals within a team to achieve a common goal. Additionally, madrichim from Ezra met with leaders from the Ezra organization and tour guides who offered advice and answers to some important questions, and all worked together to design and improve the Birthright itineraries for the upcoming summer season. Ezra madrichim came back with new knowledge, experiences, friendships and a deeper connection to Ezra - realizing that collaboration and friendships are possible even across the Atlantic. 

Spirits and Spritiality: Kabbalah and The Secrets of the Letters

Kabbalah is a mystical teaching of Judaism. Its a world of reality that is sometimes beyond of our comprehension. Hebrew letters and words are mysterious entities, uniting in themselves wisdom and mystory, and knowledge about the creation of this world. The world was created with words, and names were given to every single thing. Our names are words too. During the meeting of the club we expored our names and their essences, and how they reflect our essence and human beings.

"Left Luggage"

Israel Independance day BBQ

Ezra family celebrated Israeli Independance in a warm and homy invironment together with Ezra madrichim and friends. Israeli style BBQ and tosts for Israel and its prosperity made this event full of Israeli spirit and hope for peace. Thanks to Ezra Russian-speaking young adults know when Israel independence day is, and what it means for the entire Jewish nation. Most of them went to Israel and fell on love with it, and now keep this little country close to their hearts.

 

Holocuast Remembrance and Learning Day                                                                                                                              

In Ezra we realize that memory is done actively by learning and doing. This Holocuast Remembrance Day was a unique opportunity for Ezra participants to learn about the past and to ask about the present. Semyon Rudyak, a holocaust servivor and a poet, has told his amazing story and shared his insights on modern reality, as well as read some of his poem. The ceremony was accomponied but a group of Israeli IDF officers, who were brought to Boston with Hatikva Mission by CJP Boston Haifa connections program specially for the commemoration and celebration  of the most imporatant days in Israeli calendar. The Israeli IDF officers led a workshop that dealt with Holocuast in Israel today and the connection between the contemporary generation and the history.

Shanti-Bhanti Passover Seder with Ezra USA@Boston.

The traditional seder gathered together about 40 participants. Everyone was sitting in the circle on cozy couches and arm chairs, and the atmosphere was very homie....  The participants indulged into delicios foods, traditiional 4 cups of wine, as well as the story of Exodus mixed with contemporaty questions and answers. It was an amazing event!

Meeting #2: "Let's Drink To Freedom!"

Just couple days before Passover about 15 people gathered together to have some Russian homemade pelmeni, drink some cocktails, and tealk about FREEDOM and what does it mean to be free. The conversation was very meaningful, as Pesach is the holiday of Redemption and Freedom for Jewish people.

"LOST ISLANDS" and Chammetz Party

The movie feachures Israeli teen-agers in the beginning of 1980's. Their lives, interestsand dreams are very simiular to a regular American teen-ager, and that's where our guests could find the connection to themselves. But what is different is the Israeli reality which comes into the scene with military service, large and very close families, and commitment to the country. But other than that, same Rock'n'roll!

 

The Purim Party was a blast! Russian Karaoke, open bar organized by Ezra madrichim, the story of Purim told and acted out by Ezra participants, and all kinds of Purim costumes. Our friends from Chabbad synagogue joined us around midnight to read a Kosher Megila for Ezra USA. The celebration lasted long after midnight and brought a lot of new friends to Ezra. And, of course, a lot of people fulfilled the very important Purim obligation "ad lo yada'" (you should drink so your shouldn't distinguish between the righteous Mordechai and evil Haman ) :) Its was an amazing event!

 

Meeting #1: Mojitos with Love.                                                                                                                                                                   

This is a fine event for fine people. Mix a quality beverage with some deep intellectual discussion. The event was just the beginning of the club.We spoke about love and ways to love. How does one practive love? Love is not only a romantic entity, its also very practical thing. Judaism speaks about love as something you have to work on. Erick Fromm speaks about love not bounded by one person and one place, but as a way to live your life.

 

“BONJOUR, MONSIEUR SHLOMI” A warm family comedy and a surprising love story!

In Boston regular movie screening turned into a big young professionals’ event of networking and pleasure. Initiated by the participants themselves the movie is usually preceded by various professional seminars like Money Management, Real Estate, etc. It’s an opportunity for young people not just to come and watch a movie, but also to share their professional interests and by that start building young and vibrant community.

 

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Ezra USA has expended to the West Coast!

I recently had the pleasure to attend the Ezraton Weekend in Calistoga. This weekend had the perfect balance of fun and educational activities. It was really amazing meeting everyone, especially Rabbi Margolin, one of the coolest rabbis I've ever met. What I really enjoyed was the fact that there was just enough Jewish education to make the weekend relevant, but there was no pressure of any kind and it didn't feel forced.

 

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Winter retreat in Elizabeth Freedman Center                                                                                                                                

The Madrichon/Ezraton at Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center was an event that ended too soon.  With snow covering everything on the ground, it was a winter wonderland.  We did everything from hiking and yoga classes during the day to learning about the holiday of TuBishvat. Of course no one can forget all the singing and dancing done during the karaoke night!! The weekend retreat was a great opportunity to make new friendships and reconnect with old friends.  I can not wait to go back.  Thank you Ezra Staff for a wonderful weekend!

Ezra USA provides an opportunity for graduates of our Aviv leadership program to participate in the Poland – Israel seminar. This unique trip allows our participants to visit the concentration camps, as well as places in Poland where once a vibrant Jewish community used to blossom. The participants learn about their heritage, and get the sense of perspective.

Russian Movie Marathon is an amazing event where Russian young adults have an amazing opportunity to reconnect with the culture of one big country they all came from—RUSSIA. Accompanied by Olivie Salad, Vinegret, and herring they all engaged into the night of nostalgia. They laughed and cried together with characters which were so dear to the heart of theirs and their parents.

 

The Channukah Party at Ezra Boston was one of the biggest events in the past year. About 80 participants attended the event. Live Jazz music, delicious donuts, relaxing cocktails, and traditional candle lighting turned the event into unforgettable. The participants had an opportunity to mingle, play card games, and learn about their future form a palm-reader. It was an amazing party!