Based on detailed feasibility studies and the successful piloting of a number of “taste of Jewish study” activities in 2008 and 2009, Eshkolot, a new educational initiative with a specific focus on engaging Moscow’s young, university-age and young professional audience via a series of structured, text-based, ongoing Jewish study programs was launched in 2010.
While still in its beginning stages, Eshkolot continues to expand its programmatic menu and is attracting a growing number of participants, with an average of 40 to 60 participants in study group sessions and 120 to 200 for larger presentations to programs which are divided into four primary areas: (a) large monthly learning events, led by prominent speakers (most recently: Prof Moshe Idel); (b) mini-series events, composed of two to three monthly text-based study seminars with greater immersion in specific subject areas; (c) Eshkolot Jewish Study Festivals: six annual events relating directly to the Jewish calendar, and (d) monthly study group cycles focusing on the study of one specific Jewish text facilitated by Russian-speaking Jewish educators and moderators.
All Eshkolot programs are video-taped and late in 2010 live stream video will be experimented with to enable those not physically present at the events to participate, from home or office, in Eshkolot’s programs.
www.eshkolot.ru
AVI CHAI concluded its general grant making on December 31, 2019.