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Community Building: New JCC Dedicated in Nikolaev, Southern Ukraine
Last month, thousands of Jews in Southern Ukraine had special cause for celebration. In a ceremony attended by dignitaries and distinguished guests, among them directors of the city museums and libraries; leaders of Armenian, Karaim and Georgian communities; and well-known artists, the community of Nikolaev – a city 150 kilometers northeast of Odessa – commemorated the opening of a new Jewish Community Center to replace its former rental facilities. The JCC building, whose dedication honored the 90th anniversary of JDC, will host the broad range of activities which fuel dynamic Jewish life for the city's 6,000 Jews. Nikolaev's 2,600 needy elderly will continue to benefit from Hesed Menachem's social welfare programs in its nearby rented premises.
The new Center, whose purchase and 20-month renovations were made possible by JDC, was inaugurated with the traditional hanging of mezuzot on the doorposts, followed by a concert of the JCC's vocal and dance groups. Young and old alike contributed to the performance, highlighting the broad impact of the JCC on the local community. Fewer than two decades ago, a thriving Jewish culture in Nikolaev would not have been thought possible. Following the years of the perestroika – Mikhail Gorbachev's program of economic, political, and social restructuring – the renewal of Jewish life in the city began taking root with the 1989 establishment of the Nikolaev Jewish Cultural Society. With the help of JDC-supported institutions under the auspices of the Cultural Society, such as Hesed Menachem and JCC Shofar, today the Jewish community is reconnecting with its roots and working towards self-sufficiency. Myriad renewal programs are implemented by the JCC, including clubs for families, teenagers, youth and "golden agers"; the Shtilim dance group; Hebrew, Tradition and English classes; Kabbalat Shabbat and Havdalah services; holiday celebrations; Jewish music; sports competitions; and annual events such as the OFEK ("horizon") educational festival and family retreats. Through these programs, as well as facilities such as a library and children’s playgrounds, the new center will continue to attract some 1,000 community members regularly.
JCC Director Michail Goldenberg and others highlighted the role of JDC in rebuilding the Jewish communities in the former Soviet Union. "Thanks to this support, Jewish life has stepped from the stage of renewal onto the stage of development," he remarked. "The building that we are in now is evidence of this transition. It means that the Jewish organizations have received good education at seminars and conferences and acquired the knowledge of how they can put ideas into practice. Let JDC live another 90 years and more!" |
On another level, with the help of JDC, the JCC is leading the way in strengthening the position of the Jewish community in Nikolaev and the greater region. The JCC's initiative to publicize Jewish history, literature and culture through courses, seminars and conferences – given by historians and researchers of the Jewish Cultural Society at Nikolaev University of Culture, State University and non-Jewish colleges – has grown into a highly successful project. This project is helping to create and improve inter-ethnic relationships and enhance enrichment of young Jews and non-Jews.
