Family is the highest Jewish value. Special emphasis has always been put on upbringing of children.

   In the old days there has been no notion of a disadvantaged family. Unfortunately nowadays the number of families at risk causes serious concern. As a result, children's physical and mental health becomes worse. That is why we were so glad to know that American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee has started a new children's initiative in Kazakhstan Hasadim - "Etgar". It is meant for social protection of children and teenagers. So, the one-day seminar became an important present for members of the Jewish community.

   Seminar program included such trainings as Dream and Reality, Stress Management, as well as discussions of Jewish Family, Minor Offence and Liability. What the families liked the most was training in the form of a game and the following football and volleyball contests. The seminar helped the parents to look at their children in a new way, and the children had a chance to understand their parents better.

   Since the seminar was held on Friday, everybody gathered for Kabbalat Shabbat. Some of the families did it for the first time. We hope that from now on Shabbath candles will be lit in all Jewish families of Pavlodar.

   After the Shabbat meal the children and youth tried themselves in drawing on stones. The colored stones were very nice, and the children gave them to their parents.

   Though the seminar lasted only for a day, the children and adults had time to do many things, and first of all to know each other better.

Irina Tveritneva