Lecture Series Ends with Discussion of Soviet Jewry
The last of a four-part series of lectures titled “Our History Our Stories: Journeys of Jewish Communities Across Time and Continents,” was recently held at Congregation Or Atid. The presentation, “Jews of Eastern Europe and Central Asia,” featured a group of speakers led by Ira Korshin along with family and friends.
More than 100 people from various backgrounds attended the presentation to learn about the remarkable histories of various Jewish communities, spanning over 100 years in the former Soviet Union from before its breakup through life afterward when many people moved to a better life in the United States.
The evening’s program began with a bit of Klezmer music provided by pianist Ella Popellanski Akkerman. After brief introductory remarks by Korshin, the historical part of the program was provided including visuals by Leo Vaynberg who spoke of the pogroms being no place for Jews to seek protection so more than 1 million Jews emigrated from Russia. His own father was captured by the Germans but later escaped.
“Jewish education went underground during the 1930s,” he said. “Jewish life was not allowed and synagogues were destroyed. Stalin referred to Jews as “ruthless cosmopolitans.” At the same time there was mass deportation of Jews to Siberia.
The next presenters were Korshin’s father, Alexander Perelman and Dr. Vera Genina – both of whom relayed their personal family stories.
An architect and engineer who owns many patents today, and seeing no future for his family, Perelman picked up and moved his family to the U.S. in 1990.
“I left everything behind. Today I feel great pride about what I did,” he said. “Today
my grandkids can celebrate Torah openly.”
As for Dr. Genina, who grew up to become a medical professional, she emigrated to the U.S. with her mother who was born in Siberia. Her father who was born in Poland, escaped Hitler with his mother and grandmother, who bribed soldiers on the border to let them out.
“Antisemitism in Russia was state sponsored,” she said. Today antisemitism is even more prominent than ever in the US and in many other countries,
“Today we have so many antisemites in places of power,” Korshin said.
The program concluded with a taste of traditional regional cuisine.
Women of Or Atid Come Together for Shabbat Shira
The women of Congregation Or Atid for the first time celebrated Kol Isha Shabbat Shira (aka the KISS shabbat service) featuring an all-women led service from prayers to ark openings, to Torah readings, aliyahs and everything else involved.
Considering the icy weather that day, the service was very well attended. The men of Or Atid helped out by setting up and preparing the wonderful kiddish luncheon enjoyed by everyone in attendance.
The service was such a success that Rabbi Sherry Grinsteiner is already making plans for the next KISS to be held on Saturday, January 23, 2027.
Or Atid Celebrates Volunteerism
Congregation Or Atid held an event to show appreciation for the numerous volunteers who help keep the synagogue running, as well as people who came and showed interest in joining Or Atid’s various efforts and campaigns for the coming years.
After hearing presentations about the various opportunities available, attendees enjoyed a wonderful kiddish brunch.
Students Celebrate Tu B’Shvat
In February, Congregation Or Atid students joyfully celebrated Tu B’Shvat with hands-on learning, creativity, and community spirit!
Students planted seeds of beautiful Pink Muhly grass that will bloom in our COA Holocaust Garden – a living symbol of remembrance, resilience, and hope. They also partnered with Tal Bahar to create vibrant Tu B’Shvat-inspired art, bringing the holiday’s themes of growth and renewal to life.
The celebration concluded with a lively Tu B’Shvat seder, where everyone participated, explored the meaning of the holiday, and bravely tasted new fruits and flavors. It was a meaningful and memorable day filled with learning, creativity, and connection!
Or Atid Hosts Film Director Fighting Antisemitism
Recognized as a steadfast ally of the Jewish Community, Heather Waters, CEO of the Richmond International Film Festival (RIFF), spoke at Congregation Or Atid where she shared her first-hand experiences confronting antisemitism and the growing BDS (Boycott. Divestment. Sanctions) movement that works to end international support for Israel’s oppression of Palestinians. The program was sponsored by the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond.
“The civil discord in a technological world we are living through is one of the most consequential times,” Waters said. “This is not a war of territory or arms. It’s a war, narrative, identity, memory and moral clarity and the battlefield is everywhere.”
As she sees it, while there are claims that Israel is guilty of apartheid, there is no sound basis for such claims.
Waters also noted that organizations for Palestine have tried to sabotage the RIFF and amass opposition to any arts that have Israelis participating in them. “It is a network that includes countries everywhere with organizations pouring billions of money through the ideology and recruitment of our young people.”
Inspired by her recent trip to Israel and to desire to combat growing antisemitism, she has started a global initiative called “The Eden Accord.” Her hope is that this organization will elevate peace building and have a positive impact fighting antisemitism.
See flyers on three upcoming programs below.
