Regional Hillel Student Seminar/Shabbaton

This past Shabbos, Ulyanovsk hosted a Shabbaton for the Hillel youth leaders from 10 different cities throughout the Volga region of Russia. The seminar began Friday and ended Sunday afternoon. The students immensely enjoyed the various speakers who discussed how to lead and organize programs, how to fundraise, and various Jewish traditions. The event opened with a letter written by the governor of Ulyanovsk, Mr. Sergei Marozov, in honor of this occasion. Shabbos davening took place in our shul with lots of songs. All meals and coffee breaks took place in Cafe Jerusalem, our newly opened kosher restaurant. The Friday night meal ended at two in the morning. Motzai Shabbos, the youth had a special Havdala ceremony, followed by a youth festival, and finally a Kumzits . Sunday Morning, the youth were greeted by a delegation of businessmen who promised they would do all they can to help the future of Jewish youth. They also gave the youth some fundraising advise and encouraging words to keep strong in their Jewish heritage .