35 Russian teen participants attended a Shabbaton in May 2013 organized by Congregation Beth Am in Poltava, Ukraine to celebrate Shabbat and discuss important questions. When asked about core values, participants cited honesty, kindness, responsibility and compassion. For the question about Jewish community, teens saw that everyone has a role and it's important to volunteer time to shape and support the community. In response to whether it's community for me or me for community, the group felt it's not difficult to organize celebrations that benefit the whole community.

1. Congregation
Beth Am, Poltava
Poltava Youth
Shabbaton
May 2013

2. 35 Russian teen participants came
together to
celebrate Shabbat...

7. …and to
answer 3 questions

9. Q:What valuesare important?

11. A: Honesty, kindness, sincerity,
responsibility, tolerance, compassion
and mutual support.
Also, our roots and our family.

13. Q:What is
Jewish Community?

15. A: Everybody has a different position
in the community. It’s important to
give of your time
and take part in projects/events that
help shape your
community.

17. Q: ”Mefor community
or
community for me?”

19. A: It’s not hard to take on the task of
organizing a
community celebration
in honor of a Jewish holiday –
to organize something
important for the
community.