A seminar for directors of the Or Avner school network of Ukraine has commenced in Dnipro, bringing together 30 heads of Jewish educational institutions from various cities across the country. Over the course of several days, the participants will enhance their qualifications, become acquainted with new educational approaches, exchange professional experience, and discuss current challenges facing the modern system of Jewish education. This seminar is being hosted by the united and cohesive Dnipro Jewish Community, under the leadership of Chief Rabbi Shmuel Kaminezki, at the world’s largest Jewish center, “Menorah,” welcoming guests with joy, love, and care.
Arriving in person to participate in the seminar were the Director of the Federation of Jewish Communities of the Former Soviet Union (FJC), Rabbi Shlomo Neeman; the Director of the Or Avner network, Chana Rynkova; and the Director of Programs for the Jewish Relief Network Ukraine, Rabbi Simcha Levengartz. The entire event is being held with the support of the charitable organization Jewish Relief Network Ukraine, the Israeli Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism, and the United Fund – a global initiative of this Ministry aimed at strengthening Jewish education, which unites over 650 schools worldwide and provides educators with modern methodologies, innovative educational content, and tools for creating an inspiring learning environment.
A key event of the seminar was the meeting between the school directors and the Chief Rabbi of Dnipro and the region, Shmuel Kaminezki, during which the participants were introduced to him and received his blessing for successful work.
The seminar program includes a rich educational and practical component. On the very first day, participants took part in an introductory session and the official opening of the program, as well as a visit to the Levi Yitzchak Schneerson Jewish Lyceum No. 144, the leading educational institution of the Dnipro Jewish Community, and the International Humanitarian and Pedagogical Institute “Beit Chana,” where the participants were able to learn more about the organization of the educational process and the learning environment.
One of the key themes of the seminar was the issue of the security of educational institutions in current conditions. A special meeting titled “The Tradition of Responsibility: Schools in the Face of Threats” was dedicated to this topic, led by CWA Security Service Head Ilya Goldberg and the head of the department responsible for conducting CWA briefings, Maria Myronenko.
Other thematic sessions have been prepared for the participants, including a discussion of new developments in the Or Avner network together with United, a business game entitled “The Dream School: Challenges, Solutions, Values,” as well as a lecture on “Upbringing vs. Education: The Jewish Perspective on Our Holy Work.” The seminar also provides opportunities for professional networking and experience sharing, allowing school leaders to discuss contemporary approaches to Jewish education, share their own developments, and strengthen cooperation among schools within the network.
