(Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Krivoi Rog, Donetsk, and Kyiv) Report of a ...
(Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Krivoi Rog, Donetsk, and Kyiv) Report of a ...
(Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Krivoi Rog, Donetsk, and Kyiv) Report of a ...
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a rabbi <strong>and</strong> then moves to <strong>Kyiv</strong>. In the meantime, the <strong>Kyiv</strong> Masorti center operates a<br />
number <strong>of</strong> programs led by individuals trained in Masorti teaching seminars <strong>and</strong> other<br />
programs.<br />
Vladimir Sapiro is the lead Hebrew teacher in a Masorti ulpan <strong>of</strong>fering four different<br />
levels <strong>of</strong> instruction as well as a conversation group. In total, about 60 adults are<br />
enrolled in these classes, said Mr. Sapiro. Finding existing Hebrew-language<br />
textbooks unsuitable for Russian-speakers, Mr. Sapiro is currently writing his own<br />
series <strong>of</strong> texts. To date, he has completed four volumes<br />
<strong>and</strong> is working on volumes five <strong>and</strong> six. The series is<br />
accompanied by a compact disc so that the student can<br />
hear native Hebrew spoken well, said Mr. Sapiro. Each<br />
textbook, he continued, also includes information about<br />
Torah, Jewish history, Jewish literature, <strong>and</strong> related<br />
subjects.<br />
Vladimir Sapiro, left, is the lead Hebrew teacher in the<br />
Masorti kehilla in <strong>Kyiv</strong> <strong>and</strong> also the author <strong>of</strong> a textbook<br />
series for Hebrew-language students.<br />
Photo: the writer.<br />
In addition to <strong>of</strong>fering Hebrew classes, the Masorti center operates a family Sunday<br />
school that is attended by about 50 families, celebrates all Jewish holidays, <strong>and</strong><br />
organizes Shabbat observances about once monthly. Many participants, continued Mr.<br />
Sapiro, are individuals who are just discovering their Jewish heritage. More activities<br />
are held in warmer weather, Mr. Sapiro stated, because Masorti groups then are able to<br />
hold events outdoors, escaping the crowded confines <strong>of</strong> the Vaad. The atmosphere at<br />
all <strong>of</strong> these events usually is very good, very comfortable, said Mr. Sapiro.<br />
It is anticipated, said Mr. Sapiro, that the movement will move to larger premises when<br />
the rabbi arrives. Although the Vaad <strong>of</strong>fices are new <strong>and</strong> clean, they are not optimally<br />
organized for Masorti activities <strong>and</strong> space is very limited.<br />
Masorti operates a summer camp, Ramah Yachad, in the Carpathian Mountains. Prior<br />
to sessions for youngsters <strong>and</strong> for family groups, Mr. Sapiro <strong>and</strong> staff from Midreshet<br />
Yerushalayim, the Russian-language division <strong>of</strong> the Schechter Institute in Jerusalem,<br />
will lead a seminar for teachers in Masorti Sunday schools <strong>and</strong> ulpans.<br />
Madrichim (leaders) for Ramah Yachad <strong>and</strong> for Masorti youth clubs are trained in a<br />
special Masorti leadership development program, Mr. Sapiro said. Most are selected<br />
from campers at Ramah Yachad.