Other Projects in Dnepropetrovsk
The following list of projects are not directly funded by the Dnepropetrovsk Kehillah Project. They are all Dnepropetrovsk-initiated and independently supported with some Boston participation and involvement.
Beit Baruch Center
The Beit Baruch Center provides physical, educational and spiritual support to the Dnepropetrovsk Jewish elderly and others in need. Located in the old synagogue building, Beit Baruch serves hot meals to more than 250 Jewish seniors and to nearly 2,000 other needy individuals in the community every day. It also hosts a number of educational and cultural programs for Jewish elderly.
Beit Chana – Teaching Seminary for Women
Established in 1995 by Rabbi Kaminezki Beit Chana enrolls 150 young women between the ages of 16-22 from Ukraine, Russia, and other Post-Soviet states, training them as teachers for Jewish institutions across the former Soviet Union.
Boys and Girls Homes
Rabbi Shmuel Kaminezki established these group homes in 1996 to serve as residential facilities for children from ages six to sixteen who come from impoverished or dysfunctional families. Each home provides a warm and caring atmosphere for approximately 70 children. Through JCRC’s Dnepropetrovsk Kehillah Project, members of the Boston Jewish community and Boston-based companies have donated large amounts of toys, food, and clothing to the homes.
Golden Rose Synagogue
The Golden Rose Synagogue was reclaimed by the Dnepropetrovsk Jewish community in 2001 after 70 years as a coat factory under communist rule. Funded by members of the Dnepropetrovsk Jewish Philanthropic Fund and world Jewry, with contributions from individuals, the synagogue is a spiritual, cultural and educational center for Jews in Dnepropetrovsk. Adjacent to the synagogue is the Jewish Community Center, a project of the JDC, which houses the synagogue offices, including new videoconferencing equipment funded by Boston donors.
Jewish Community Center (JCC)
The Joint Distribution Committee established the JCC as part of a network of JCCs throughout the FSU in order to help meet the multi-faceted challenge of bringing sustainable Jewish renewal to the FSU. In addition, to a substantial welfare program, it also provides numerous cultural and educational activities for children, adults, and elderly.
Kindergarten Schools
Nearly 200 children are enrolled in four Jewish pre-schools in the city, all of which are directed by Rebbetzen Chany Kaminezki. The children learn Hebrew songs and Israeli dances in addition to their other educational and recreational activities. A newly renovated building opened in 2009 is educating 100 additional pre-school children. Many design ideas were modeled after the kindergarten at Temple Israel in Boston.
