Happy Passover, dear friends!

 

 

 

Program of Jewish family education
“ULISS 613”:
project “In the Steps of the Sages”

 

The first seminar has been conducted within the project “ In the Steps of the Sages” on 21 February, 2010 from 11 a.m. to 6p.m. The project takes place within the program of Jewish family education “YLISS 613”.

10 families (mothers and children) have participated in the seminar. During the seminar participants learned about personality and heritage of Moses Mendelssohn (1729-1786) - Jewish-German philosopher who received a nickname “German Socrates”, “father” of Haskalah (Jewish Enlightenment) movement.
Joyful and beautiful carnival-quest has opened the seminar. Children presented a big chip with mast, real sails, steering wheel, anchor and a happy team of sailors. The ship was departing in search of treasures (heritages of the sages) – Moses Mendelssohn and Maimonid. Having met different inhabitants of the sea and solved a number of riddles, children found the trunk. The box was full of different good deeds in cultural and civic life performed by great sages during their living.
Afterwards Katya Malakhova gave an interesting presentation to mothers about Haskalah and children have been watching performance “German Socrates”. Puppets told a touching story how 14-year old humpbacked boy for poor Jewish family from a provincial town conquered Berlin intellectual life and met his true love.
Activities of the day have been continued with sessions of family psychologist for adults, rehearsals of the scene from famous play of Gottfried Lessing “Nathan the wise” and work with computer graphic programs for children. As a result of work the exhibition from collages of portraits of f teachers and friends of Mendelssohn has been created. Performance of the rehearsed play took place. Real costumes and choir have been used in the performance. The day was closed with a table of sweets and exchange of experiences about the bright day.

 

New Year of Trees in “Beiteinu”

Tu Bishvat in “Beiteinu” was traditionally opened with introduction of festive creative studios. Children have been modeling from plasticine trees with flowers and fruits. Beautiful spring flowers have been created from multi-color serviettes with the help of scissors and glue.

In art workshop children have been drawing themselves and parents in beautiful costumes especially prepared for meeting the New year of trees – Tu Bishvet. All artworks have been placed on a big carton paper. As a miracle, a big white space became transferred into cozy house, where lots of happy families live.
During the festive performance participants of dance and vocal studios introduced in turn their performances. Children have been vigorously reciting their own poems.
Theater group “City” prepared a surprise for everyone: puppet show “Travel of Apelbok from Israel to Kyiv” was presented.
And, of course, according to the tradition,. during the day trees – symbol of the holiday, have been planted.

 

 

«Lights that Warm Our Hearts»

On December 18, 2009, families gathered in “Beiteinu” to celebrate Chanukah – Jewish Festival of Lights. Children prepare beautiful and hearty concert «Lights that Warm Our Hearts» and strike everybody with their talents one more time. Masha and Lenya Limonnik wrote themselves and read touching poems dedicated to Chanukah. Wonderful musicians Rozhkovy played the piano and xylophone and sang. Then all participants performed a Chanukal dance with candles. The lights were kindled, dreidels were span and all guests were very fond of latkes and other Chanukah dainties.

 

 

 

Festive Party on the Occasion of the Fifth Anniversary of JCF "Beiteinu - Our Home"

On December 8, 2009, there was not an inch of room in the Kyiv House of Scientists: we invited all friends and partners of JCF “Beiteinu” to celebrate our fifth anniversary together. We were very happy to see among guests colleagues from JDC Kyiv, Kyiv and Chernihiv Heseds, other Jewish organizations. A great concert became a culmination of the evening. Performances were prepared by whole families. A bright collection of songs, dances, musical miniatures, acted by artists in age from 5 to 80 years old, was an enchanting sight indeed. Theatre-studio “Gorod” presented dramatic composition “The Earth” upon the Nathan Alterman’s poetry. After concert the activists of Beiteinu community were awarded with valuable presents - books, granted by Kyiv Jewish Studies Institute. The wonderful party was accomplished with tasty treat and cordial communication.

The Round Table “Volunteering in social projects: Join us!”

The round table “Volunteering in social projects: Join us!” dedicated to the fifth anniversary of JCF “Beiteinu – Our Home” and International Volunteer Day was took place in the Kyiv House of Scientists on December 8, 2009. Discussion concerned the problems of involving of volunteers in the social projects as well general management of volunteer activity. Among participants of the round table were representatives of different non-profit organizations and volunteer initiatives, activists of Jewish community, etc. Outcomes of the round table may be reviewed here.

 

The Fun Quest and Medieval Fairy-Tales
in the Ladizhinka Boarding-School

In the special boarding-school for the children with mental health problems (Ladizhinka, Uman region, Cherkassy oblast) the day of December 3, 2009, became an extraordinary one – joyous and interesting. Professionals and volunteers from “Beiteinu” as well as community activists with the support of the International agency WJR (London) organized for children a real holiday – a fun quest - cognitive role play on the topic of the fairy medieval town. Children of all ages took part in various competitions, sporting and creative contests. The well-known Kyiv music group “Rune” performed fascinating medieval music and all, who wished, learned and acted medieval dances. In the art-class children were encouraged to create a magic castle. This day remains in the memory both of Ladizhinka pupils and Kyiv team.

 

 

Trip to Lutsk and Rivne

On October 22-26, 2009, “Beiteinu” professionals and volunteers as well as Kyiv community activists took part in the out workshop. Kyiv group was kindly welcomed by colleagues from Lutsk and Rivne Hesedim. For kids in Rivne we prepared amusing measure: master-class on design and painting of colorful bags. As a result each participant made his own unique bag!

 

 

Sukkot

On October 9, 2009, kids from “Mekhina” program together with elderly men and women from Kyiv Hesed have build wonderful sukkah. Grannies actively help children to pick twigs and decorate the temporary hut.

 

 

 

 

Beiteinu community celebrated Rosh Ha-Shanah

Many families with children came to Fund to take part in common festive. At special master-classes children made decorations for Beiteinu great hall by own hands (drawings and applications). After shofar was sound, children’s concert took place. Beiteinu also organized contest among parents on most tasty pie and three authors of the best culinary masterpieces were awarded. The holiday was ended by Rosh Ha-Shanah traditional sweet treat.