Working with the elderly requires not only kindness and patience, but also an understanding of their needs, communication peculiarities, and potential challenges. This is why we organized the educational seminar "Origins of Compassion" — a space for exchanging experiences, discussing issues, and finding solutions that help volunteers interact with their charges in a more sensitive and effective manner.

At the seminar, both newcomers who are just beginning their volunteering journey and those who have long supported the elderly came together. One of the key sessions was led by psychologist Lyudmila Semina-Gits. Volunteers openly shared the challenges they face in their work, discussed them in groups, and collectively sought solutions.

But learning is not just about theory. To help participants get to know each other better and strengthen their bond, we conducted various activities. Through informal communication, games, and personal stories, volunteers found new points of connection, gained inspiration, and renewed motivation.

A special part of the seminar focused on an educational session about Jewish wisdom and the concept of Tikkun Olam — the idea that the world can be made better through good deeds. We discussed how principles of compassion, caring for others, and social justice are reflected in volunteer work and help make it more meaningful.

The "Origins of Compassion" seminar became not just an educational event, but an important growth milestone for each participant. It strengthened the sense of community, filled everyone with warmth and inspiration, and provided new knowledge and tools to help volunteers continue their work with confidence and heartfelt compassion.