Global Day of Jewish Learning – the event where 400 communities in 49 countries took part -could not be outside of our community.

“For Moldova it became one of the most successful, bright and complex events during the last years”, said Michael Finckel, JCC KEDEM, one of the organizers of the event. “We thank all our partners in Kishinev and other cities who came today to share with us this unique atmosphere and experience. I have the privilege to be among not so many people who were present at the meeting with Rabbi Steinsaltz during his visit to Kishinev over 10 years ago. I still keep the feeling of wisdom, mildness and depth of this person.”

The preparative work for the event began yet in July. In result of four months efforts on gathering and training of the groups leaders, gathering lists of participants, negotiations with Universities with spacious enough premises over 420 people from five biggest communities of the country came to the Free Independent University of Moldova (ULIM) whose leadership kindly agreed to give 15 auditoriums and Hall for 450 people for the Global Day. All the building of the University was converted into the Global Day appearance thank to the work of the JCC youth club volunteers. Banners and video, indicators and materials for the sessions made the atmosphere really extraordinary and special.

“Leader and Leadership”, G-d”, “Beauty and Ugly”, “Tzedakah”, “Miracles” and other issues based on Ta’anit tractate of Talmud became the themes of disputes, lectures and art in 14 groups who worked simultaneously on six floors of the University building. Three groups among them made kids who of course were the most creative.

Greeting words were said during the official opening ceremony by Mickey Katsiff, the representative of JDC in Moldova, Galina Karger, Center of Training and Professional Development Director, Gerhard Ohrband, vice Rector of ULIM, and Michael Finckel on behalf of the JCC KEDEM. Then people worked in groups, had lunch and gathered again in the Big Hall for the final part that became probably the most bright and interesting – in the form of a talk-show that was accurately conducted by Polina Raspitina, Hesed Beltsy Director.

The audience and the most competent lectors answered some diverse and difficult questions on the Jewish values, ethics, personal choice and destiny and our community development.

“You have to be the leader of your own life”, said Daniel Muntean from Chabbad community.

“Talmud has the same structure as Internet where you can look for the answer on any question”, told Dr. in Philology Irina Shihova.

“I guess the number of people in our community will stay stable and this gave the optimism to believe that it will develop qualitatively”, confirmed Dr. in Economics Eugene Brik.

“Such events just unite our community and make it stronger as it makes stronger each of us. Talmud is the Book of Life of our people, heritage of wisdom, history, traditions. I am sure that the future generations will continue to learn it. And now thanks to the monumental work of Rabbi Steinsaltz it became easier”, said Yakov from Tiraspol. “I was happy to be a part of the Global Day!”