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Russian-American Special Projects

Russian-American Special Projects


Now based at the St. Paul JCC, The Russian-American Special Project, a program at the St. Paul JCC, helps young Jews from the former Soviet Union say spaseebo (Russian for "thank you") to the community that helped settle their families into American life. The project brings Russian young adults ages 18-45 with little or no connection to the Jewish community together for Jewish holiday celebrations, educational and social programs, networking, public service projects and community philanthropy. In addition, the project sponsors children’s holiday celebrations and programs.
Ilana Volodarsky
Ilana Volodarsky has been the Russian-American project director since the program started more than 7 years ago. "The Jewish community helped us tremendously," Volodarsky commented, who arrived in St. Paul in 1989 with her parents and younger brother. "We knew that we could always count on the UJFC and JCC."
Today most Russian-Americans have made their way in careers and building their own families with minimal links to the Jewish community. As part of the project, Volodarsky will continue to help Russian-American young adults learn about the Jewish community and organize social events to bring them together.

If you are a Jewish, Russian young adult age 18 to 45 (born in the Former Soviet Union or United States), or know someone who is, contact Ilana Volodarsky, 651-255-4742 for more information about this program.