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.

My name is Grunya Varzar, and I am a volunteer at Hesed in Tiraspol. For over 15 years, volunteering has been an integral part of my life, where I find meaning and joy. My journey began with a desire to help those in need, and this realization was a revelation for me.

I hold the “Craftswomen” project close to my heart, where we create cozy items for those in need. The “Warm Kindness” campaign, where I knit socks and slippers, has become a celebration for me, as each stitch represents warmth and care.

Helping distribute matzah and food packages brings me joy, especially when I see the grateful smiles of those receiving help. These moments inspire me to continue my volunteer work.

Volunteering not only allows me to improve others’ lives but also helps me grow as a person. I meet amazing people, and each new acquaintance becomes part of my story.

I believe that every step we take toward kindness makes a difference.

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.

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.

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.

My name is Yulia Sirenсo, and I am a volunteer at RVC.

Before becoming a volunteer at the RVC, I had no prior experience in volunteer work. I must admit that I had doubts about whether I could handle the responsibilities placed on me. However, I heard that our Center has a special atmosphere that makes it a place of strength, and that here, you will always find support in difficult moments.

I started by participating in environmental and large-scale projects, and now I devote most of my time to the "Call Center" direction within the "Information" project.

Why "Information"? Because I want to spread knowledge about jewish traditions and culture. Besides volunteering, I study at a Jewish lyceum, and I have much to share in order to preserve and pass on knowledge to future generations. I especially enjoy making calls related to Jewish holidays because it makes me feel connected to the traditions of our community.

To volunteers who are just starting their journey, I would say:

Find what motivates you to volunteer. For me, the motivation is overcoming myself. Sometimes, to be honest, I can be an undisciplined person, but I always strive to improve so that I can carry out my volunteer tasks with full dedication consistently.

Hello, my name is Nina Uperenko, and I’m a volunteer. I’ve always enjoyed helping people who find themselves in difficult situations. I used to listen with great interest to a friend who shared stories about her work in the community, and when the opportunity arose for me to join the volunteer movement myself, I didn’t hesitate for a second!

Beyond the desire to help others, I was also driven by the need to maintain a connection between generations. This is very important to me, perhaps because things didn’t quite work out with my own relatives. In the people I help, I’ve found the grandparents I was missing!

As part of my volunteer work, I deliver groceries. But this is also a great opportunity to learn more about our clients, to find out what difficulties they face and what kind of help they need. For elderly people, communication and emotional support are also crucial. During my visits, I try to share a part of my soul with them, bringing more joy and positivity! I like to think that I’m helping to make my clients' lives happier and more comfortable. I invite everyone to join our big, friendly volunteer family! Together, we can handle even the toughest challenges!

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!

Hello everyone! My name is Tatiana Komova, I am 24 years old, and I have been a volunteer for over 3 years. My journey into volunteering began with the “Caring Connection” project, where I participated in distributing smartphones. After interacting with many elderly people, I realized how lonely many of them are, and I wanted to make their lives better.

I started conducting online events and providing technical support for the elderly. Besides technical skills, I also have creative inclinations, so I happily joined the “Handy Hands” and “Craftswomen” projects. I also take part in large-scale events like “Day of Good Deeds.” I believe such events are a great opportunity for those who want to try their hand at volunteering.

For me, volunteering is not only a way to help others but also a means to grow and develop. Here, you will find everything needed for communication and self-improvement. You can make a meaningful contribution even if you’re not a master or an expert, and your opinion and input are always valued. I invite everyone to join our large and friendly volunteer family to grow together and make our world a better place!

Hello, my name is Zahar Ustinov. I am a student at the Agricultural College in Vitebsk and have been volunteering with our center for several years. Since childhood, I have been involved in the community. My mother took me to the Synagogue and the community center, which undoubtedly shaped my view of our community as a large, close-knit family. Naturally, I developed a desire to help members of this family. At the age of 11, I became an actor in the "Menorah" theater, and at 13, I read weekly Torah portions for teenagers.

In the AJT Teen Club, I launched my first project, "From Chess to Gadgets," aimed at bringing together people of different generations—youth taught older adults the basics of working with devices and gadgets, while grandmothers and grandfathers taught us to play chess! Soon, my second project, "Sefer-Seret," focused on books and cinema, will begin.

In addition, I have participated in other volunteer projects and events, and I am currently involved in the "Kosher Guest" and "Theater of Three Generations" projects. Volunteering provides me with invaluable experience in various aspects of life and allows me to meet interesting people. Most importantly, it gives me the confidence that I can make a real difference, and that brings me great joy!

Hello, my name is Elena Chernous. My journey as a volunteer began several years ago when I wanted to help deliver food packages. I saw a message in the parent chat of the Emuna AJTJunior family center's children's program saying that help was needed to deliver food packages for an upcoming holiday. I decided to participate in this initiative.

My first recipient was a kind and welcoming person. She was so happy with the delivered food and the attention she received. I was pleased to have brought not only food but also joy and hope to a lonely elderly person! I saw how important it was for her! I can say that this moment was a turning point for me, and I decided to dedicate myself to volunteering.

My daughter Sofya is also getting involved in the volunteer movement. One day, I needed to deliver a food package to a recipient, but I had no one to leave my daughter with. I took her with me, and I have no regrets. It's very important that our children learn the best from their parents because we are their role models! Since then, Sofya sometimes joins me on my volunteer visits to the elderly, showing empathy, interest, and asking questions. I am confident that she will become a volunteer in the future too!

I am now involved in many different projects, and I enjoy watching how our close-knit team of volunteers handles them excellently. Thank you for being there! Together, we are capable of so much!

Hello, my name is Polyakova Nelly. Since childhood, I couldn't pass by others' suffering and always strove to help those in need. This drive led me to medicine. My professional career ended due to my age (I am 87 years old), but the desire to be useful to people remained.

Many community members came to me for consultations, and I was always ready to answer all their questions. So when the idea of creating a medical online project came up, I happily agreed! For over three years now, I have been a volunteer for the "Health Hour" project. As a professional neurologist, I provide consultations and educational work within the project.

I enjoy volunteering because, unlike professional work, it has no age restrictions. You can help others regardless of how old you are. At the same time, you continue to grow and develop, meet new people, and always receive words of gratitude, which support you better than the most modern medicines! Volunteering helps me lead an active life, and even at 87, feel active and in demand!

Hello, my name is Kseniya Storozhenko. I am a volunteer at the center and very glad that I once learned about such a wonderful opportunity to benefit society. I am a student at the Tashkent branch of Lomonosov Moscow State University, and I have a rather busy schedule, but amidst lectures and homework, I always find time for volunteering.

I got acquainted with the Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) branch in Uzbekistan in 2024. I was attracted to the youth club and the intellectual game “What? Where? When?”. Soon, from a guest, I turned into an organizer and now actively help conduct the game within the framework of the “Jewish Revival” project, as well as organize meetings in the Youth Club.

I enjoy coming to the center, where I feel like a member of a big, friendly family. Here I can gain new experiences, develop my creative talents, and make new friends. Most importantly, I can bring real benefits to people and make their lives better! I invite everyone who cannot pass by someone else's misfortune to join our big and very necessary cause!

Hello, my name is Yulia Meikshans. Although I officially received the "volunteer" status relatively recently, volunteering has been in my blood since the beginning of my conscious life!

From a young age, I joined various volunteer movements. I helped anyone who needed support. I fed animals, collected gift sets for children in orphanages, and tried to provide help wherever it was necessary.

Over time, the "scale" of my volunteer activities changed. By becoming a volunteer at the Jewish center, I gained the opportunity to help a large number of people. This can be financial support or tangible physical assistance. There are always those who need help right now, and I am ready to provide it!

It saddens me that our society operates on the principle of "every man for himself," but I am happy to see that there are people who disagree with this. These are volunteers who have decided to dedicate a significant part of their lives to helping those in need. Now I am part of a big and friendly family, and together we are changing our society for the better, making it kinder and more responsive to the problems of others!

I am confident that each of you also has a volunteer spirit that will inevitably lead you to volunteer work!

My name is Viorika Kelban. I joined RVC about two years ago thanks to a friend who was a volunteer at the center and enthusiastically told me about its activities. I wanted to become part of this wonderful project where compassion and caring for others are the main values.

My first volunteer projects were the Healthy Vitamin Box and "Memory Cafe" for elderly with dementia. I also participated in delivering Shabbat packages to our wards. After the Good Deeds Day, I became interested in the "Home Care" project, where I enjoy interacting with people of different generations, learning their life stories, and sharing my own.

The "Preserving the Memory of Jewish Life" project opened up the tragic pages of Jewish history in Moldova to me - pogroms and the Holocaust. I try to attend all events dedicated to these tragic events, which make me reflect on our history and the fate of the elderly who witnessed these events.

In this context, I was drawn to the "Origins of Mercy" project, which focuses on caring for the elderly. Volunteers strive to ease the lives of the elderly and fill them with bright colors. Thanks to volunteering, I have become a real "good wizard" who, together with others, is capable of changing lives and society for the better!

Hello, my name is Yuri Ailer. I have been a volunteer at the center since 2021. Currently, I am participating in projects such as "Jewish Traditions" and "Synagogue," where I help participants study the Torah and Jewish traditions and holidays.

I also visit the synagogue, where I assist the elders in conducting prayers and observing the necessary traditions. I like to think that through my efforts, I contribute to preserving the rich cultural heritage of our people.

Volunteering has become an opportunity for me to fulfill the main commandment of loving your neighbor. I am convinced that a person's spiritual needs are no less important than physical ones, and with God's help, I strive to meet them.

By becoming a volunteer, I have been able to fulfill my desire to benefit society, but at the same time, I derive immense pleasure from my activities! I am very glad that I once became a member of our friendly volunteer family and invite everyone to join it as well!

Hello, my name is Olga Beller, and I have been a volunteer at the Republican Volunteer Center since March 2024. My journey into volunteering lasted 1.5 years, during which, after moving to Moldova in July 2022, I tried to adapt to the new country and put my experience in organizing events for people of all ages to good use. The Volunteer Center has become a place for me where my skills and experience are gratefully accepted, and where like-minded people await, for whom helping those in need is more than just words.

In March 2024, I became part of the friendly RVC team, and my duties included working in the Call Center as well as delivering food packages. A great help in fulfilling my volunteer duties was obtaining a Moldovan driver's license, which allowed my husband Vladimir Vasilenko and me to actively participate in Good Deeds Day, delivering "Healthy Breakfast" food packages to our beneficiaries.

Congratulating people on Pesach from April 22 to 29 also brought me many positive emotions in return. I enjoy working in the Call Center: I love communicating with people, informing them about various events, congratulating them on holidays, and providing necessary information support. I am happy that I once made the right decision to become part of the large RVC team!

Hello, my name is Alisa Kilibaeva, and I am a volunteer. Since childhood, I could never remain indifferent if someone needed help. I felt a strong need to assist and improve the lives of others. As I easily connect with people of different ages and always seek active communication, my creative talents pushed me to find ways for self-realization.

Volunteering has united all my aspirations and desires. Today, I actively participate in the community's life and various projects, as well as city and community events. I volunteer in projects like "Shabbat as a Separate Art Form," "Rapid Response Group," and "Food Security." I also enjoy working with children, so in the summer, I help in the children's day camp and conduct classes as part of informal education at the day center.

Additionally, I assist in organizing themed evenings for youth and participate in AJT international quizzes, intellectual games, and represent the community at various events. Volunteering has opened up unlimited opportunities for self-realization, and most importantly, I feel part of a significant and important mission to help others!

Hello, my name is Lilia Braga, and I am a volunteer with Hesed in Rybnitsa. My desire to help those in need and the realization that I can truly be useful to people led me to volunteering. Throughout my volunteer activities, I have participated in various volunteer initiatives and continue to lead an active volunteer life today.

I enjoy organizing Shabbat gatherings for our clients and assisting with the distribution of matzah and food packages. I have also been involved in projects such as "Visiting the Day Center" and "Peer to Peer." Currently, I have two clients whom I regularly call to check on their health, provide necessary assistance, and inform them about upcoming interesting events.

For me, volunteering is an opportunity to contribute to the betterment of our society. It brings new acquaintances and new knowledge, as well as a sea of positive emotions when you hear words of gratitude from your clients.

My name is Elizaveta, or Liza for short.

In 2022, due to a chain of random events, I joined the Republican Volunteer Center as a volunteer for the "Call Center" project due to the military crisis in Ukraine, and this moment significantly influenced my life thereafter.

After completing work with clients from Ukraine, I also began participating in projects aimed at interacting with various age groups from our country. Throughout the summer of 2022, I taught drawing lessons to children from the Jewish kindergarten, and besides that, I had the opportunity to participate several times in the "IT-Grandparent" project aimed at increasing technological literacy among the elderly. I also participated as an interviewer and copywriter in the "20th Century Kishinevians" project, and later became part of the initial composition of the Jewish youth theater "Dor." Among the recent projects, I can mention "IMPRO-media," where, under the careful guidance of Viki and Nata, a large team of volunteers created an animated film dedicated to the holiday of Purim, which gave me the opportunity to try myself in various production formats: dubbing, script writing and editing, as well as recording musical accompaniment.

Honestly, now it's difficult for me to remember all the projects in which I was involved in one way or another, but I can confidently say that all of them had an undeniable and extremely significant influence on me and my personal development.

I am very glad that I became a volunteer at RVC, because it was here that I got acquainted with Jewish culture and unexpectedly discovered the presence of Jewish roots on my father's side, which I had not suspected or thought about before.

Thanks to RVC, I attended the wonderful family Jewish festival "Anavim" and subsequently began attending the Jewish youth platform "Haverim," which gave me a huge boost in understanding my Jewish identity.

If not for all these elements, I would hardly ever have had the opportunity to participate in organizing and conducting large-scale events such as Community Shabbats, Avdalas, or off-site events, such as the volunteer conference in Ukraine or the "Generations Shabbaton: Festive Tishrei" as a madrich.

In conclusion, I can only say that I am very happy and grateful to fate for introducing me to such a wonderful community and such wonderful, friendly people who have truly become close friends to me and my loving family. I like "KEDEM" because here you are accepted as you are, and all your skills find application in the most suitable and interesting format, including for yourself. As a teenager, I was able to acquire a huge amount of skills and knowledge necessary for the future, and I really feel that I am developing my potential, so I want to express my immense love, respect, and gratitude to all those whom we encountered in one way or another on this path!

Curiosity led us to volunteering. My sister and I attended Romanian language classes at the International Training and Professional Development Center at KEDEM and became interested in the stands of the Volunteer Center. They were so bright and interesting that we wanted to learn more about it.

So we became volunteers for the "Call Center" project, which is designed for communicating with elderly members of the community. Our task is to provide information about upcoming events, congratulate them on holidays, conduct surveys, and find out what assistance they need. When the military actions started in Israel, we also called the elderly to provide prompt assistance.

We have also been involved in other volunteer initiatives. Last year, Kristina participated in the "Clean Chișinău" campaign on the Day of Good Deeds, and I helped organize a master class for the elderly in Buděšty. Together, we also assisted in conducting a master class for participants of the "Day Center" project.

We participate in the IMPROmedia project, and among other things, voiced an animated video on the history of Purim. We also joined the "Memory in Documents" project, but it is currently suspended due to the military actions in Israel. We have made several festive visits to community members with gifts and have also participated in workshops on making crafts and gifts for the elderly.

Volunteering for us is an opportunity to lead an active life, communicate, and help those in need of support. We take part in various events organized by the Volunteer Center and KEDEM, and we are very glad that we once followed our curiosity!

My name is Arina Baboglo, and I am a relatively new volunteer.

I have only been volunteering for 2 months, but the experience I have gained during this time would be enough for a year! I had the opportunity to explore the backstage of projects, acting as the logistics coordinator for the event "Love Story (2.0)". Thanks to this, I saw how much effort goes into each volunteer initiative, how much needs to be planned and considered to ensure that the project comes out in a magnificent "wrapper". This experience has been invaluable for me in terms of event preparation.

Volunteering helps you find new friends and like-minded people, as well as teaches you to work in a team and take responsibility. Moreover, you can try on various roles. I have been a teacher for children, a coordinator for projects and initiatives, and I am sure that many more exciting roles await me in the future. I enjoy the atmosphere in the volunteer center. Also, I like feeling like a member of a large and friendly team and knowing that I am making a real contribution to the common cause of helping those in need!