Minsk Jewish Campus was open on April, 22 2002 |
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The Minsk Jewish Campus (MJC) Minsk Jewish Campus (MJC) is a symbol of unity – its members, Jewish organizations aiming to provide their members and guests with quality experiences, excellent service and a sense of belonging, welcome everyone who respects Jewish people and traditions. Opening of the MJC was made possible due to the combined efforts and generous support of the Conference on Jewish Material Claims against Germany, Jewish federations of Greater Atlanta, Greater Philadelphia, Greater Hartford and Bergen County, and the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee. MJC Activity Mainstreams:
A year-round array of activities, programs, events and celebrations offered on MJC is available and run by the organizations, that work permanently on the Minsk Jewish Campus. For better effectiveness and coordination of teamwork a special MJC Council comprising of the heads of MJC organizations is met once a week to discuss a whole range of issues — from simple administrative problems through to policy issues relating to the campus. Thus, all the vital and urgent problems are resolved by joint efforts that make everybody feel a part of a big united family and develop a team playing sense. Major issues that cannot be solved locally and concern joint work of all Minsk Jewish organizations are discussed on MJC by the broadened Council. Smooth running of MJC programs and services is ensured by the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, as well as by our partner organizations and our friends (Barry and Merle Ginsburg, Michael and Diana Lazarus).
Minsk Jewish Campus History November 2001… little enthusiasm could be noticed in the eyes of the leaders of Minsk Jewish organizations as they followed Ahuva Rozen, the resident representative of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee in the Republic of Belarus, making her way through the yard filled with debris. They walked cautiously through the littery courtyard, entered small office rooms, listened to Mrs Rozen and could not believe their ears. They had to use all their imagination to visualize a Jewish Community Campus at the site of a group of manufacture buildings. It was next to impossible to imagine that this place would become a centre of Jewish community life, that people would come there for better or for worse: to get moral, psychological or material support, to study Jewish history, culture and traditions, to celebrate Jewish holidays, to attend different studios, interest clubs, professional trainings and so on. Who could believe that former repair depot would turn into a wonderful concert hall that can seat more than 100 people. There were far too many questions and doubts, but the time went by and the campus started taking its shape. The yard was cleared out, repair and construction works were done, and on April, 24 2002 everyone gathered in a new Jewish campus to celebrate its opening. Many guests came to the MJC for the official ceremony. Gradually the MJC passed on to every-day activities with both their joyous moments and difficulties, just like in an ordinary big family. September, 22 2002 first celebration of the Jewish High Holidays held in partnership with Sohnut Jewish Agency for Israel and Israeli Cultural Center took place and the MJC opened its doors to the Jewish and greater community of Minsk. April, 24 2007… Five years flew by as one moment. Those pretty small girls in red sundresses who danced at the MJC opening ceremony grew up into beautiful young ladies; and new generation that was “born” in the Minsk Jewish Campus came to succeed them. Much have changed in the Minsk Jewish Campus since its opening. The MJC today has turned into a social, cultural and educational centre, heart and soul of the Minsk Jewish community. http://mishpoha.org/n20/20a37.shtml April, 24 2012 will mark the 10th anniversary of the MJC. Come visit us! |
