Participants of the educational program “STARS Intensive,” which is part of the youth project of the Jewish Community of Dnipro “DJCY-STL-STARS Dnipro,” completed an intensive academic year with a grand European journey, the main destination of which was Vienna – the capital of Austria, a city with an extraordinarily rich cultural and historical heritage that holds a special place in the history of European Jewry.
The journey was undertaken by girls from Dnipro who had attended “STARS Intensive” classes throughout the year, as well as participants of the program from other cities of Ukraine. This trip became not only a reward for a whole year of study but also a continuation of the educational program, which made it possible to become acquainted with the Jewish history of Europe, see famous landmarks, and spend time among like-minded people.
The travel program, organized by the Chief Rabbi of Donbas and head of the “Kedem” Jewish community in Kyiv, Rabbi Pinchas Vyshedsky, and his wife Dina Vyshedskaya, was carefully thought out and combined excursions, acquaintance with the Jewish heritage of Austria, the shared celebration of Shabbos, and various opportunities for rest.
Already the first day in Vienna gave the participants countless impressions. They strolled through the famous Volksgarten park, became acquainted with the historic center of the Austrian capital, admired its architecture, and took a city tour in horse-drawn carriages. A special event was the festive dinner with the participation of the Chief Rabbi of Austria, thanks to which the acquaintance with Vienna acquired a special Jewish meaning from the very beginning.
In the following days, the participants of the Euro-tour visited the famous Schönbrunn Palace, became acquainted with the architectural landmarks of the Austrian capital, and also visited the Prater amusement park, where they were able to rest and spend time together.
The geography of the journey was not limited to Vienna. The participants set off for the picturesque Gmunden, became acquainted with the town of Dürnstein and the Wachau region, known for its natural beauty and historical landmarks. These trips made it possible to see Austria in all its diversity, far beyond the capital’s tourist routes.
A special place in the program was occupied by becoming acquainted with the history of Jewish life in Vienna, its rich heritage and traditions. An important component of the journey was also the shared celebration of Shabbos, thanks to which the Jewish content of the program was not limited to excursions and historical accounts but was an inseparable part of the participants’ daily life.
“It is very important to us that the knowledge students gain in ‘STARS Intensive’ classes becomes part of their own worldview, helps them discover the richness of Jewish history, and makes them aware of their belonging to the Jewish people,” noted Chaya Maltseva, director of the “DJCY-STL-STARS Dnipro” project. “And such journeys become a wonderful continuation of the educational program, combining study, Jewish traditions, friendship, and new experiences. We are grateful for the opportunity to create such programs that help young people strengthen their Jewish identity and feel themselves part of the united and cohesive Jewish Community of Dnipro under the leadership of Chief Rabbi Shmuel Kaminezki.”
