My name is Svetlana Martynova, and I am a volunteer with the "Maagal" volunteer movement of the "Joint" organization. My journey into volunteering began at the "Nativ" cultural center under the Embassy of the State of Israel in Moscow. I participated as a volunteer in various events organized by Nativ and the Embassy, such as Hebrew festivals, sports runs, and cultural programs dedicated to the memory of the Holocaust.

In addition, I carry out search activities to identify Jewish burial sites from the war period in the Smolensk region. Within the "Maagal" volunteer movement, I am actively involved in: holiday events, I deliver various Jewish treats to the Hesed beneficiaries, conduct culinary master classes on authentic Jewish cuisine, and respond to any call for help within my abilities.

I believe that a person lives as long as person is needed, as long as others depend on this person. That's why I strive to be helpful and to assist those in need.

Adults involved in volunteering is a regular work. But it's much rarer to see children and teenagers helping others. And that's a shame. From my own experience, I can say that when a children participate in good deeds, they bring even more joy and warmth into the homes they visit.

I have been a volunteer in the Maagal Volunteer Community of the Joint Distribution Committee for nearly four years now. 

I have a volunteer partner - my eleven-year-old daughter, Diana. She took the initiative to join the project on her own. Diana knew what I was doing and always asked how it went, what was interesting. At some point, she suggested joining me. Now, every time I have a task, she asks, "Are you going? Can I come with you?" And almost every time, she’s part of the action. The freedom to choose is important. Diana is not just my partner, she’s also my comforter.

I often have a lot of emotions. For example, one time we went to make crafts with children with Down syndrome. Diana was so enthusiastically interacting with them. When we left, she said, "Mom, thank you for this meeting. These kids are just like us. If they ever need help, I’ll be there for them." That moved me to tears.

My daughter understands my sensitivity and always comforts me. We return home feeling inspired, knowing that we’ve lived at least one day to its fullest. We see doing good as a necessity. Diana never asks why or what for—we simply enjoy it. And people always greet us with enthusiasm.

A Story of a Family Volunteering

Menachem and Simcha, parents, and their daughter Naomi have been volunteering for 2.5 years. Menachem is the family's pillar, a person who understands the older generation and knows how to connect with them. Simcha is the driving force, always eager to meet new people, share warmth, and exchange experiences. Naomi, a kind and talented girl, studies at the “Tree of Life” school and draws strength from her relationship with her grandparents, easily communicating with the elderly.

Two years ago, a message appeared in the volunteer chat about delivering sufganiyot to an elderly Jewish woman. It turned out that Lenina Isaakovna was celebrating her 100th birthday. The family decided to visit her together, and since then, they have maintained this connection. They visit both for holidays and without reason. Menachem helps with household tasks, Simcha chats and brings new energy, and Naomi plays the violin, delighting Lenina Isaakovna and her daughter Svetlana.

Recently, the family celebrated Lenina Isaakovna's 102nd birthday. They’ve come to know and love her large family, which spans five generations living around the world. With their permission, some of their family stories may become the foundation for books about remarkable Jewish lives.

From the very beginning of his volunteer work, Stanislav Lenivkin involved his sons. He wanted to show them how easy it is to do good deeds. Their first step was delivering gifts to Hesed clients in their neighborhood. People always welcomed them warmly, and while the boys were initially shy, they soon became more confident. Often, they were invited for tea, and they couldn't refuse, as attention is the most important thing.

Later, the family participated in the "Zikaron" campaigns—cleaning Jewish cemeteries. They visited Malakhovka, Zapadnaya Dvina, Perlovka, and Tula. These events were always interesting, as they were part educational tours. The boys enjoy working with tools and understand the importance of preserving Jewish memory. This year, their younger sisters joined them in delivering matzah.

Hello, my name is Marina Nekhlin, and I am a volunteer of the "Maagal" volunteer movement of the "Joint" foundation. What motivated me to help others? Probably my deep involvement in the "Jewish community," where I have been for over 20 years. During this time, I have transitioned from being a regular participant to an event organizer and a journalist for Jewish media. In my recent project, I interviewed elderly victims of Nazism. Additionally, I am a shadchanit, who has arranged the happiness of many Jewish couples.

By closely interacting with people, I see the difficulties they face, and my status as a volunteer helps me ignite hope in them, nurture their intellect, and bring them joy during the holidays. As part of volunteer projects, I deliver smartphones to elderly Hesed clients and teach them how to use them to connect to online events via Zoom. Additionally, together with other volunteers, we bake cookies for our wards, which I then deliver to their homes.

I participate in Shabbat meetings at Hesed "Etel"—lighting candles and introducing attendees to the traditions of Shabbat. These wonderful evenings are filled with the warmth of all those gathered around the large table. Twice a year, my fellow volunteers and I clean Jewish cemeteries in the Moscow region and neighboring areas to preserve these important memorial sites for future generations. I enjoy taking an active part in the life of our community, helping those in need, and addressing other important tasks. For me, being a volunteer means being useful, showing by personal example that any help is needed and valuable!

My name is Elena and I am a volunteer in the "Maagal" community.

For 26 years, I’ve been living with rheumatoid arthritis, to the point where I have a second-degree disability. I have a wonderful husband, two grown sons, and a small elderly dog - all of whom love and often demand attention. And then there’s work and the endless routine so familiar to every woman.

But no, this story isn’t about that. It’s about how, a few years ago, I received a call inviting me to join the "Sipur Volunteers" project. This was my first experience with such work, but I knew that if someone needed my help, I was ready to set aside my pain, work, and household chores, get behind the wheel, and drive to people who didn’t know me but were eagerly waiting for me. I’ll admit, I was a little scared, as I wasn’t sure how I would be received, what I could offer these people beyond a small gift, and what words I could find. But when the door opened, I was greeted with a smile and kind eyes, and our simple greeting turned into a warm conversation over tea and pastries. You begin to forget all your worries, simply dissolving in the warmth emanating from your companion. And this wasn’t just in one house I visited, but in many homes where I now know for sure - I am always welcome.

Now I can say for certain what my story is about. It’s about how, in this crazy pace of life, sometimes you just need to stop and smile at an elderly, lonely person, wish them "Yom Tov," and in return, you will receive far more attention and care than you could ever imagine. That’s the life-giving force everyone needs - just faith, hope, love.

Hi, I’m Gil. A narrator, host, guide to the courtyards of Arbat, a volunteer with the "Maagal" movement, and much more.

Every mentally healthy man eventually ponders the meaning of life. If he is truly healthy, he will find it on the path to understanding the Almighty. If not yet — there are other options. Consequently, the question of the meaning of life arises. When I first encountered this question but didn’t know who to turn to or where to go, I decided not to waste time and, just in case, started doing good deeds (which, by the way, turned out to be very useful at all levels).

I've been a volunteer for many years: I visit clients at home, deliver humanitarian and food aid, and bring holiday gifts. I also organize free tours and lead community events.

And how can I do a good deed? Only by doing what I know and for those who need it. It's all very simple.