(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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15<br />
boys’ home (a former synagogue) <strong>and</strong> 16 girls between the ages <strong>of</strong> five <strong>and</strong><br />
17 at the girl’s home (a former large private home). In the past, the boys’<br />
residence had accommodated as many as 40 boys <strong>and</strong> the girls’ residence<br />
had a peak enrollment <strong>of</strong> 28 girls. The decline in census is attributed to<br />
overall Jewish population decline <strong>and</strong> to “competition” from relatively new<br />
similar facilities for Jewish youngsters in nearby Zaporizhya <strong>and</strong> Krivoy <strong>Rog</strong>.<br />
All youngsters in the two residential facilities are enrolled in the yeshiva<br />
katana or machon, said Rabbi Glick. Three yeshiva students studying<br />
abroad serve as interim dorm counselors in the boys’ home, <strong>and</strong> a family<br />
resides in the girls’ home, which also is served by several local counselors.<br />
Recreational activities at the two homes have been reduced somewhat,<br />
noted Rabbi Glick, reflecting both financial constraints <strong>and</strong> the realization that<br />
youngsters were overly busy with little time to relax or study. However, boys<br />
<strong>and</strong> girls are taken on excursions <strong>and</strong> have recreational opportunities within<br />
their residences.<br />
Youngsters are rewarded with points for good behavior in the dormitories<br />
<strong>and</strong> for achievement at school, Rabbi Glick responded to a question about<br />
allowances. The points may be exchanged for various approved items at an<br />
internal store, he continued. Previous experience<br />
with cash allowances, explained Rabbi Glick, led<br />
to outside purchases <strong>of</strong> cigarettes <strong>and</strong> beer – <strong>and</strong><br />
accompanying problems related to these products.<br />
A native <strong>of</strong> Australia, Rabbi Yossi Glick manages<br />
several Chabad children’s programs in <strong>Dnipropetrovsk</strong>.<br />
Photo: the writer.<br />
Although youngsters in the two residential facilities frequently returned to<br />
their own homes during vacation periods in the past, the number <strong>and</strong> length<br />
<strong>of</strong> homestays has been significantly reduced in recent years, Rabbi Glick<br />
stated. Even a short weekend stay can lead to regressive behavior back at<br />
the residential program as children react to the destructive lives led by family<br />
members <strong>and</strong> neighbors, he continued. Instead, children in the homes are<br />
taken to various resorts in the Crimea, along the Dnipr River, <strong>and</strong> in other<br />
areas during vacation periods.