How to revive the community? How to make it a center of Jewish life? How to understand and raise the value of our legacy left for us by previous generations? For about twenty years the Association of Jewish Organizations of Kazakhstan "Mitzvah" revives the communal life in the republic. At the initial stage, in the difficult 90s, it seemed to be the most important to help financially the most socially unprotected groups, those who were on the verge of poverty. Now we have realized that not help, but only our traditions will make the community strong and vital. Jewish values, Tzedakah - this is the cornerstone of community building.

From 21 to 23 of September in Almaty young representatives of Jewish communities from all over Kazakhstan gathered for the Seminar on Jewish Traditions. At the initiative of the Director of Pavlodar Hesed "Rachel", Tatiana Slivinskaya starts a Republican contest "From Time Immemorial", which gives a great incentive for self-education - an opportunity for children and young people to learn about the history and traditions of the Jewish people. The motto of the contest: "Knowing the Past - Building the Future!"

President of Mitzvah Association Alexander Baron opened the seminar, "Happy New Year! I am sure that a good record in the Book of Life is guaranteed to you, you will live up to the trust of G-d. Let me introduce our honored guests - Rabbi Shevah Zlatopolskiy and Representative of the Sokhnut Agency Alexandra Briskin. Since our seminar is devoted to the Tradition I am passing the floor to the Rabbi. "

Rabbi Shevah Zlatopolskiy: "I’d like to remind you a fable: A person was riding in his car in the vast desolate steppes. He was already running out of petrol but there were no people around. And suddenly he witnessed a miracle - he saw a brand new Gasoline station in the middle of the steppe with the inscription "We are open!" The person happily poured a full tank and tried to start the engine but it does not work out. It turned out that there was water in the tank. He angrily asked the owner why was that. The owner answered that he did everything exactly as he had seen on TV. He liked the idea - all shining and the inscription "We are open!"

Sometimes Tradition is perceived in the same way. Until you start to live it, it is a fiction, like the gas station. Action - that's the main thing. And yet, it is important what you have in your sole. It is not enough just to love something or someone; you need to express it with this action. Learn, do, teach! Even if you lack something to accomplish this, G-d will always understand you. Soon Simchat Torah is coming. And in this regard, I am reminded of the following case: Rabbi Levitsky was exiled and the only Torah book he had was only Chumash. In Simchat Torah, when the Tradition prescribes dancing with the Torah, the Rabbi took up his Chumash and composed a few melodies that have become traditional for this holiday. As you can see, we must act. "

The head of the "Jewish Agency Sokhnut" in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan Alexandra Briskin, "I congratulate you all on the New Year and upcoming holidays - Sukkot, and Simchat Torah. On behalf of the Sokhnut Agency thank you heartily for what you do. The study of Jewish traditions and culture is the Sohnut priority. I wish you success and good luck! "

Director of Hesed "Polina" Inessa Chugainova, "Those who have gathered here are not just listeners. You are participants of our resurrection. Happy start! "

Head of the project "From Time Immemorial" Tatiana Slivinskaya, "All the participants got acquainted with the goals and objectives of the Seminar. We in the Jewish community have spent a lot of time on the provision of financial assistance. Then we placed the emphasis on the arts. And then, finally, we are coming to the foundation - the Tradition of our People. This contest will give the participants knowledge and teach to work with texts. Participants in the Pavlodar Retreat Seminar developed four versions of the project logo. I would like you, as project participants, to become teachers of the Tradition for the kids in your cities and to prepare them for the quiz."

The seminar was attended by the Shoresh Project Manager Alexander Abramovich and psychologist Irina Zaltsman. The participants acquired the basics of teaching and psychological knowledge, conducted analysis of the lessons on Jewish history for different age groups, and deepened the educational aspects of the quiz "From Time Immemorial".

September 23, organizers and participants gathered at the round table for summarizing the results of the Seminar. We analyzed strengths and weaknesses and expressed gratitude to American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, Alexander Baron and Hesed "Polina" for the opportunity to improve our knowledge of Jewish Tradition and history in the context of the Shoresh Project. Now, they will go to their cities, and begin work on the revival of traditions among the younger generation. What could be more important for the community building?

Ludmila Starodubova