Beis Aharon Boarding School, Pinsk

Location:Pinsk, Belarus
Name of implementing organization:The Pinsk Jewish Religious Community
Date of initial project approval:February 2001
Date of project renewal:February 2003

Brief description of the local Jewish community

 

• The number of Jews in Belarus has been estimated to range from 50,000 – 80,000. In Pinsk alone there is close to 1,000 Jews.
• The community is served by a Sunday school run by the Israel Center. A chesed program is run by the Joint, JAFI and Ezra. The former Karliner Shul, which is more than 100 years old, recently was rebuilt and renovated.
• A new  Jewish school and dormitory building  for girls was established by the applicant.

Project aims and objectives

To give every Jewish child in Belarus a strong general education, and to reconnect them to their Jewish identity. After they receive a good education in our school, graduates are encouraged to continue their education primarily in Israel, in higher education programs which we arrange for them before they leave the country.

Project Description

This project has established a boarding school to serve Jewish children living in Belarus, outside of Minsk. The school includes grades 6 through 11. It offers the standard government secular curriculum, and Hebrew Language, Jewish History, and Jewish Tradition. 20 hours per week are devoted to Hebrew and Jewish Studies.The staff includes three foreign Jewish Studies teachers (all of whom have made aliyah to Israel), and two local Hebrew language teachers. The project director previously established and conducted a similar school in Kiev with much success.

Originally the school was only for boys. 2 years ago a similar program was opened for girls and  the girls have moved into their new building.

A plot of land including some old buildings has been purchased, and eventually (once sponsors are found) will become the site of permanent premises for the boys. It will be able to accommodate 100 students.

The school offers a wide range of extra-curricular activities in general and Jewish Studies. These include evening Seder (extra learning in Jewish Studies), swimming, tennis, chess, computers, karate, and Jewish dancing. The program also includes debates, competitions, and visits to museums and historical sites.

Main budget elements

Teaching staff (local)
 After-hour staff
 Foreign teachers
Food
Rent
Extra-curricular activities

The project's successes

Close to 100 students from the school have been sent abroad to continue their education, primarily in Israel.  Almost every child has improved in his or her studies since joining the school.

Difficulties encountered along the way

Having different levels of children in one class, and over-stressing the students by having a solid general education as well as a good Jewish education. Fathers who are not Jewish have difficulty seeing their children choose a Jewish way of life. It can be difficult to convince parents to send their children to Israel, particularly after terror attacks.