Raje-USA Inc

Although the idea uniting Russian American Jews and taking a trip to Israel with classes that help provide background is good, RAJE still needs tons of work. Always cutting corners, not fully disclosing info and organization is quite lacking. The organization and timing of things is terrible - constantly late for classes, skip/delay BARRs,late on releasing online content, loose assignments/essays and do not keep track of completion of assignments.They advertise the program for non-religious Jews when in reality their intent is to turn everyone religious. I would not recommend for anyone that is easily influenced.... they are really good at what they do and your sons/daughters may become super religious. They advertise they are better than Birthright but with Birthright at least you know what you are getting into and that they are a reliable organization. I would be cautious about taking part in this organization.

Participating in RAJE has enhanced my observance of Judaism and allowed me to get an even better feel for my heritage. I also met my now husband during the program, so it's definitely a wonderful venue for meeting people with whom you share ideals.

This organization taught me to be proud of my people. It just awesome!

I've never been interested in joining any jewish organization before. I consider myself to be secular and have never met any Rabbi who could engage me on a personal level. Until i came to RAJE i never knew anything about being a Jew. They've taken me in like a long lost relative and they accept me for who i am and communicate the jewish faith in a way that's entertaining, engaging and I've learned more about being a jew in one month of RAJE then i have in the previous 25 yrs of my life. For the first time in my life i have discovered what it feels like to be among my people.

They've taught me identity, community involvement, and Jewish values. This is an organization that doesn't spend its time, energy or resources frivolously. It does what it sets out to do - to bring people back to their roots.

RAJE is an amazing organization. I attanded RAJE classes for 6 month learning about Jewish history and religion. I was exposed to a lot of new ideas and experiences. The staff of RAJE is very dedicated. They are always there for you both in terms of providing guidence as well as education. Following the 6 month classes, I went with this organization to Israel, where I learned about my culture and my roots. It was a very fun and educational experience which was organized extremely well.

I love RAJE, as for my knolege RAJE IS THE ONLY PLACE IN NY SPECIALLY DESIGATED FOR RUSSIAN JEWS GO RAJE

I was a participant of one of the trips to Israel as well as I had a chance to attend history classes conducted by RAJE. From my point of view, RAJE is a great organization that UNITE young people from different backgrounds, and the most important, make them to be proud of their origin. I was grown up in the former Soviet Union, and at the time of living there, I have experienced and loved the Russian culture. When I came to USA I didn't know much about Jewish communities in USA, I didn't know much about culture, religion, and Jewish way of life. Although, I have always felt that I am a Jewish. When I got a chance to visit Israel through RAJE, I was a very happy that I will visit a country, which I always dreamed to see, and this trip will be with young people like me. These three weeks that I spent in Israel were a tremendous experience for me. For me, it was the trip that made me feel what this country means for the whole world, it gave me the experience of the Jewish way of life. For three weeks I have lived in the atmosphere of Israeli way of life. It was very important to me to feel it, to feel the atmosphere of the Jewish way of life. And I don't know if I had such a feeling if I simply visited country with my family or friends. After I came from Israel, I have attended some history classes, where I had also a chance to get answers on very important questions for me. I think that RAJE plays a great role in life of many young people, since it helps to find something very important, it helps to experience a great heritage, RAJE helps to find real friends and helps us to be proud of our roots.

Great staff, great programs & events... The organization has inspired many young people from the community that had previously been thought of as unaffiliated, uninformed, and uninvolved in Jewish life.

Very interesting and fun organization. Provides great information on many different issues facing young Jews. Plenty of interactive programs and a awesome experience as a whole to meet new people and learn a lot.

A great organization with excellent principles and goals. They have provided me with a better understanding of my background and roots. Also, with a new self awareness which will help me hence forth in all my future endeavors in my life. By creating this type of environment which fosters education and spiritual growth they help the community at large to reach its potential and build toward future growth and and success. Serving in this critical role is essential for future generations to also be able to relish in their cultural richness and heritage from which we have all descendant from. And thus by effecting so many lives with their cause of promoting self awareness through cultural and religious understanding they help to shape my generation and all future generations. Hopefully others who follow me will be as greatly enriched by this experience as I have.

I went through Russian Jewish Leadership Program by RAJE and learned a great deal about Judaism. It was 8 to 10 learning sessions including staying for shabbat at religious Jewish family twice. It also gives Russian Jews an opportunity to meet other Jews in the NY area.

The people at RAJE are very nice and work very hard to teach us the youth. My experience so far has been very good. I have met a lot of important people that have taught me to strive for the best. i have been taught that hard work leads to amazing results. I have been inspired to do better in school and i would highly recommend this program to all of the jewish youth.

RAJE was by far the best thing I ever did to get in touch with my spiritual side. Having been born in communist Russia I had no idea what being Jewish was all about, it was RAJE that exposed me to a way of living I had no idea existed. I'm sooooo thankful to them for exposing me to the Jewish community. -AJT

Raje provide a solid platform to reach out to young (18-30) jews. RAJE promote values that are intrinsic to jewish culture reaching out to people who are out of touch with basics jewish laws and tradition.

I do not remember who introduced me to RAJE but was told it would be a rewarding experience. I did some research into the organization to get a better understanding of what it was I would be committing myself to. I read that it was designed to bring together the areas Russian youth and educate them about their Jewish identity. That was a year ago this week. After spending every Sunday for ten weeks at the Schul on Ocean parkway listening to prominent members of the Jewish community and Rabbi’s speak about Jewish topics as well as mentors discuss ideas in the Torah I can say without a doubt that I have become better informed about the Jewish faith. While I was growing up I never had a formal Jewish education at a Yeshiva. Everything I knew about Judaism I learned from family, friends and Rabbi’s during visits to synagogue. I grew up in a predominantly Jewish community but it was not enough to fill-in the gaps of missing information. And so I grew up without religion being a central part of my life. But I was always curious about my Jewish roots; what is was and what it meant. Once I learned that there was an organization educating young Russian Jews about their religion I knew this was something I should consider. During the orientation I spoke with people I already knew and met many new people. We were introduced to the organization and were told what to expect during the semester. The program easily fell into routine and I began taking in this new source of Jewish education. Every week notable members from the Jewish community would speak about their experiences and the significance of being Jewish. Rabbi Goldshteyn would deliver a lecture packed with wisdom and his characteristic humor and whit. We would then be allowed to socialize with each other and discuss how great the food provided to us was. Then we would split up with our mentors and talk about a predetermined topic from the Torah. Debate happens to be an interest of mine and when a topic from the Torah is discussed a healthy thought provoking debate follows. Several weeks into the program I had grown accustomed to the Sundays in Brooklyn. I even looked forward to the whole experience. Coming to RAJE soon became an important part of my week, one that I looked forward to. When the semester drew to a close it was almost saddening. But the end of the semester meant that our trip to Israel and Europe was closer. The culmination of our studies ended up with a trip to Paris and all over Israel. I remember when we met our group for the first time. We had an orientation at the Schul. We sat in a circle and introduced ourselves. I remember being excited that the trip was upon us and that it was actually going to happen. In a few short weeks we were at JFK airport and off to Europe! There was so much to see it seemed that two weeks was not enough time to take it all in. We traveled to nearly every major city in the country except for Eilat. We went to holy sites and visited numerous towns. Jerusalem was the most important single city we visited. It was the city we spent the most time in. Judaism’s most important site is located in this ancient city. The Western Wall was the site of both the first and second Temple. Jews pilgrimage to the site and pray at its walls. Visiting the Old City where the wall is located transports you back in time. It has the same feel as it did over a millennia ago. I had never experienced anything like it before. We took tours and were educated about many of its features. We even had the opportunity to spend Shabbas in the Old City with families who live there. Even though it felt like a once-in-a-lifetime event, I hope I get to experience it again. We were often asked “what was the most memorable day of the trip”? It must be mentioned there were many gems during the trip. Each day, though hectic, was filled with fun and adventure. The most memorable day however was when we climbed Masada to watch the sunrise. On that day we repelled off ancient hills where the Dead Sea Scrolls were located. Even though the sun was baking and the drinking water was hot I still had an amazing experience. One thing I am particularly fortunate for is the new people that I have met during the trip. There were a total of thirty-five members in our group and there were at least two more groups with the same number of people. I have met people who I intend to stay in contact for a very long time from friends to mentors. Being surrounded by good people made the entire experience that much more rewarding. After completing a semester at RAJE and going on the trip which was generously sponsored by the organizations benefactors I have to say that participating in the program was the most important thing I have done this year. So rewarding is the experience that I intend to spend another semester at RAJE doing the Action program. I am looking forward to another semester filled with meeting new people learning about the Jewish faith and its history and becoming a better person in the process.

Coming as a Russian immigrant to America – I have been searching for a Jewish place where I can feel at home and develop spiritual growth. For two years, RAJE has been a place where I was learning Torah, met new friends, developed networking and business connections and spent many Shabbatot. This program filled a niche where Russian Jews can develop a strong Jewish identity and get involved in building a Jewish community. One program that I was more than honored to be part of was the RAJE Tanach Fellowship. It was a semester-long program featuring speakers from all facets of the Jewish world of Torah education. There were several speakers which left a long lasting impression on me: Rabbi Katzin combines secular psychology and literature knowledge with an analysis of the Torah portion. Rabbi Foreman offers a modern and traditional approach to Tanach. Rabbi Chaskey discussed Jewish history in the context of global developments. Other parts of that program included a group-Shabbat in New Jersey as well as a local Shabbaton at RAJE center with several classes. As a final part of the Tanach program was a trip to Europe and Israel. However, I wasn’t able to take of from my internship to participate in that trip. My friends who went on that trip were deeply inspired – they started going to shul more often or observe new commandments. Some of them felt that they need to learn more intensively – for those individuals, RAJE organized a summer-yeshiva program in Israel . In addition to that, Rebbetzin Chaskey has been preparing me for my wedding by offering amazingly witty and insightful Kallah classes for brides. She welcomed me nay times at her home and taught me the laws of family purity as well as tips of how to create a peaceful and happy Jewish married life. I’m very thankful to her for her teachings which I apply daily in my home.

Excelent experience!!!! I think Raje is a wonderful organization that does it's best to unite jews and help them in many aspects of their lives.

This is an open, honest, and welcoming place. Its a home away from home where I learn something new and exciting all the time about myself and my heritage. The services rendered here have helped me fill a void I never knew existed within myself. Thank you.

RAJE has played a very substantial role in my life, it has been very paradigm shifting. It introduced me to many Russian American Jews, a group of people I wasn't very familiar with. It has led to me forming new friendships and reconsidering my social situation. I am very thankful for RAJE helping me grow as a person.

Great and fun introduction to Judaism for secular Jews in the Russian community around NYC via interactive and interesting classes and Shabbatons in the tri-state area, great and inspirational trip to the Holy Land.

The lectures were very inspiring and thought-provoking, people were friendly and inclusive, and the atmosphere was very relaxing. It was great to be able to get to know other Russian Jews in the area.

RAJE is such a great organization. It is a blessing for a russian jewish community. It really provides expiriences that bring us all closer to our jewish roots. My expirience with RAJE was a trip to Israel we took in 2008 and this was such a amazing trip. It tought me alot about being a Jew and loving it!!!

From my experience working with RAJE, I see RAJE as an unselfish, giving, non-profit organization which reaches out to all to help them. Very admirable.

I met this amazing girl Erica, she's awesome, lovely and down to earth. I'd like to come and speak to her again. Is there a chance?

Amazing experience. Everyone in the center is truly interested in helping you learn more about Judaism and Jewish culture. Thank you for everything! The trip to Israel was great! Avigail is a great asset!

I went to Israel with RAJE and my exprience was amazing. The staff was extremely knowlegeble and verse in the area. I really conected with the group and I can honestly say that it was the best trip of my life! Thanks RAJE.

RAJE was one of the greatest things that has ever happened in my life. Not only did RAJE allow me to connect with my Jewish roots, but I've made a lot of friends and "family" along the way. RAJE is top notch and I would recommend it to anyone.

I grew as a person and met the friend who introduced me to my wife. RAJE was a place that made me feel comfortable and at home. It is a great place for any Jewish person who wants to strengthen their Jewish Identity.

The organization reaches out to Jewish people of a variety of backgrounds. I learned a great deal about my culture and heritage.

RAJE is an exceptional organization because it has breathed a continuously growing religious presence into a community of young people whose background is largely secular and often anti-religious. As a young Russian American, I know that most us grew up in families demoralized by Communist and jaded by deeply anti-religious sentiments. The concept of spirituality, of self-lessness and devotion to a super-human being was foreign to us, and to our families and friends. Understandbly enough, very few Jewish organizations had been successful in reaching out, and bring in, young Russian Jews ever since their mass immigrations in the 1980's. Come RAJE, about one decade ago, and a revolution unfolded. Wisely choosing the vibrant Brighton Beach location, RAJE took an enormous, largely abandoned building, an aging congregation, and several very dedicated and brilliant visionaries, to formulate the most vibrant and successful religious outreach program for Russian Jews that I have ever seen. Why do I consider it successful? Because Russian Jews were taken from their muck of secularism and materialism, and taught to appreciate the fine details of their heritage, their spirituality, the meaning of charity, community, and ultimately, their own inherent worth. I am a proud member of this organization, and I am in awe that despite its constant growth in creative educational programs, leadership training, membership, and trips to Israel and Europe, it can still feel like a comfortable, inviting home.

RAJE has helped me learn a great deal about Judaism and connect with other Russian Jews similar to me. It has set up educational programs relevant for me to learn about religion, life and leadership. It has also provided trips such as Shabbatons and trips to Israel, which blended education with social activities that have made me feel connected. The Rabbis I met have been extremely inspirational,

I owe my introduction to the spiritual Jewish world to RAJE. Everything they do is geared towards bettering the community and people that they work with. It is an absolutely amazing organization that dedicates its time to educate the young generation about Judaism and its roots. It is amazing that we have something so big that we can be a part of!!! Their trips are amazing, went to two of them! They will always help in any situation no matter what situation you are in. And most of all, they show people the beauty of a spiritual comitted life. I think that its the most important aspect of all.

RAJE has really impacted my life greatly. It has allowed me to become more aware of what it means to be Jewish and to be more proactive about my Judaism. The fellowship program introduced me to wonderful rabbis as well as connected me with Jewish leaders in the business world to help me in establishing my future. The staff is second to none. Levi, the Rabbi's and Luba are always there for me, rain or shine, day or night. No hour is too late or too early. Shabbat, Holidays, Classes, Social Programming; RAJE has it all under one roof. Its the thing to do!

I spent this Shabbos with RAJE for the first time. A friend of mine who attends all the time brought me. It was the most spiritual, uplifting Shabbos that I've had in a long , long time. The people were wonderful, the teachers, extraordinary. This organization provides an amazing environment for people who are seeking to elevate themselves in their service of man and G-d or just want to be in a warm caring place. The Rabbis/Teachers are totally devoted to the people in a way that is absolutely inspiring. I plan to go back as soon as possible! Myriam S. Gabbay

I haved gained an enormus amount from RAJE programming, both in terms of social networking and jewish educations. The rabbis and teachers are extremely knowledgable and personable. I attend the sabbath program every week for the past two years. All Raje staff are readily approachable and do their utmost to provide all program participants with the utmost caring and individualized attention.

RAJE is a great organization and I am excited to remain a part of it! Can't wait to go to Israel with RAJE, because I know the experience will be memorable.

I really enjoy the Havdalah. It would be hard to imagine a more joyous Havdalah anywhere in the diaspora. Yasher Koach to RAJE!

I had a great opportunity to discover who I really am, and see other participants opening up like a flower in terms of knowledge, while learning about jewdaism. Greatest place to grow. Great experience.

This has been the greatest Jewish experience of my life. I did not know anything about Judaism till I encountered the organization.

If it was not for this organization, I would not have re-connected with my Jewish roots - period. Their programs aimed at creating Jewish leaders are extraordinary and their trips to Israel provide great motivation for young people to join with their community.

My fiance and I were able to attend High Holiday services thanks to RAJE's low cost. We would not have been able to attend services otherwise. They were lovely. I only wish this group had the finances available to improve their surroundings -- it saddens me that such a wonderful group is forced to meet in such a dilapidated building.

I enjoy being part of the RAJE family. Regardless of sect of Jewish a person belongs to, RAJE still make them feel at home. A person does not even need to observant Jew to participate in the programs, which is the uniqueness of RAJE. RAJE programs are unique because it teaches about the Jewish cultural without forcing some to change.

Growing up, as an unaffiliated Jew descended from ex-patriots of the former Soviet Union, I was consumed by the streets of Brooklyn. Then as I got older, my philosophical journey brought me to the decision that Judaism would be my choice of lifestyle, thus a new challenge opened up. At this crucial juncture it became clear that defining for myself a proper Jewish community would be of vital importance. At this time, I stumbled upon what would eventually become RAJE. It became a home for me where I was able to practice Shabbat more than just in theory, but by actual halakhic standards. I was able to eat three kosher meals, learn from the Rabbis, and be in a place that had the presence of Shabbat. One cannot count what I have received out of this non-for-profit organization. Its contribution in my life is priceless.

RAJE is a very dynamic and innovative organization which has been providing me year round with numerous and thoughtfully crafted opportunities: I: -joined exciting, joyful, and meaningful Shabbat and holiday services -as part of fellowships, studied the Talmud with our great Rabbis. Thankfully, I even got chances to apply in my life some of things learned, so the study was for real! -learned different view-points from visiting lecture speakers -acquired new friends and teachers, and enjoyed being among those I love and respect -was helped to bring my Jewish identity forward

RAJE HAS BEEN MY SECOND HOME FOR THE PAST 3 YEARS. THEY HAVE REALLY GAVE ME THE INDIVIDUAL ATTENTION I NEEDED TO GET IN TOUCH WITH MY ROOTS AND WHO I AM. THEY PROVIDE ME WITH UNLIMITED OPPURTUNITIES TO LEARN, TRAVEL, AND EVEN JOB OPPURTUNITIES.

RAJE staff members actually listen to you. RAJE has meals every Shabbos and I like the way they cook. RAJE has big programs going to other countires and Shabbatons. Lately I come to RAJE every Shabbat and Holiday as do a lot of my friends. Please give money to RAJE - RAJE really needs money to have more Shabbatons and Programs

I have been a member of RAJE for many years now and I absolutely love it. It is an amazing organization. They do so much for Jewish, Russian- immigrant, young adults. All the classes, trips to Israel, Shabbat and holidays meals, services... The list doesn't end. All the programs and staff members are amazing. They dedicate themselves 110% to RAJE and to all its members. I love going there for all the programs, services, meals and trips to Israel. When I go to RAJE, I know that I'll have a great time, make new friends, spend time with old friends and learn more about Judaism, my culture, heritage and history.

I did not know very many people when I moved to NY as a student. I also did not have a community or places to go to for shabbos. One day a friend brought me to RAJE to volunteer at a Chanukah party, where I had a great experience. After that I started going to RAJE every week for Shabbat and holidays. Later on that year I did the RAJE Fellowship program, which helped me learn a great deal about Judaism and where I made many friends. The classes and the shabbatons were interesting and inspirational, the teachers were dynamic, the chavrusa program was very helpful and my overall experience was amazing. Upon completing the program, I went to Israel with RAJE, which was a remarkable trip. Everything was very organized, the itinerary was well planned, and the classes were eye-opening. RAJE really made the experience of being in Israel meaningful. I also volunteered throughout the year at numerous events and shabbatons. RAJE has so much to offer and it gives a Jew the resources to be part of a community, to learn, and be inspired. RAJE became an integral part of my life and really enhanced my experience in New York.

It was an incredible, fun, exciting and an educational experience - all at the same time. I recommend this program to all my friends. The staff and volunteers are all great, helpful and fun!!!

RAJE has made a major impact on my life. The material I acquired, friends that I have made, and connections have completed changed me as a person as well as my outlook on life. I would not change my experience with raje for anything in the world.

I've been involved with RAJE for the past 3 years. These have been the best years of my life. Since joining the program everything I have has been affected for the better. From my personal view of myself, to my relationships with other people. RAJE has helped to steer me in the right direction always. They really care about each individual person that enters through the doors. The staff spends endless nights working on how they can better the organization. Its not just a building or a program, its a family. People living to help each other.

They were amazing. Very warm and open. They have done great things in the Russian Jewish community. They provide a place for russian jews to know thier heritage in a fun, nonjudgemental, and honest fashion.

My experience at RAJE is compared to the mastercard commercial "priceless". Aside from meeting great friends, having mentors even after the program ended has definetly made me feel welcome and appreciate all that the staff is doing. To me, the priceless comes from the fact that I dedicated myself to a program on Sundays and was able to go on a trip to Kiev, where I came from when I was 7 years old. It was both bittersweet and amazing. I also had the opportunity to go to Israel, and ofcourse that was amazing as well. We had classes during the day that really inspired me to learn and want to learn more about Judaism. The staff at RAJE are great people, always welcome me with open arms on regular days, holidays and when spiritual guidance is needed. I know that as they are available to one, they are available to all and are a big part of the community.

Raje is a very good place to be part of. Things this organization offers range from Shabbat dinners, different classes any day of the week, event for every holiday to programs promoting Jewish leadership and offering educational and inspiring trips to Israel and other places that hold pieces of our history. It is impossible not to be affected by all of this. Raje has changed a lot of lives spiritually. I think the biggest accomplishment is that they built a community. Raje built friendships and even marriages.

I have recently joined this organization and so far i am very please with the results. The staff is very welcoming and the events are very educational and a lot of fun.

EXCELLENT. I have been coming to RAJE for 10 years, there is a very large number of people who come there for many educational and social activities and just plain socializing.

RAJE has opened my eyes to what I have been missing. RAJE opened the doors to discovering more about Judaisim. RAJE has helped me pick up the broken pieces in my life and inspired me to put my life back together. RAJE allowed me to add valuable people to my life. And the list goes on and on.

Changed my outlook on judaism from old-fashioned to very in-fashion! Dedicated staff, excellent programs, non-judgemental athmosphere. The only Orthodox shul I feel comfortable walking into on Shabbos as a non-affiliated Russian American Jew.

The events that they offer are great. I can't wait till I move back and am able to start to be active in them again.

Great place to meet other russian jewish peers such as myself. Great environment for learning. They make learning about judism fun! I feel very comfortable there. They always provide some sort of meals at various occasions, for little or no money. And although I have not participated in the trips to Israel, I hear that they are the best!

Helps to strengthen my Jewish identity through interesting lectures and classes, and to enjoy Jewish holidays and Shabbat in a very pleasurable atmosphere. I have particularly enjoyed the weekly Jewish History class, which makes me connect to my Jewish past in a intellectually and spiritually stimulating way while putting things in perspective. Socializing is also great!

RAJE serves as place for the young Russian Jewish community of Sheepshead Bay/Brighton Beach to come together every week for Shabbat and for the holidays. It is a place to socialize and learn about Judaism at the same time, because people in the programs become close friends and each other's support network for anything.

I applied to the Leadership fellowship program and regrettable could not attend. I was inspired by the volume of young russian jewish wanting to explore more about their heritage and this left me with a new sens of renewed inspiration and clarity.

Amazing once in a lifetime experience!!!! Not only do you learn about your culture but you meet people you will never forget in your lifetime....soulmates!!! :)

RAJE is great because it is so open, friendly and inviting. Whether its for holidays, shabbat or classes, they are there for all of our needs in a warm and sincere way.

My experience with RAJE is truly unlike any other experience I have had with any organization. I would go as far as to say the feelings of closeness and support I’ve felt within this organization are the same feelings I’ve experience at home, in family dinners. The staff provides us with tools for a great life, and opens our eyes to the possibilities we have when we explore our spiritual growth. Yet, they are very understanding of the different level we are at in regard to our spirituality.

This is one of the few organizations which actually produces a tangible change in the community. It is by far one of the most effective and productive organizations working with young adults at this time.

Learned a lot about Judaism as well as becoming more involved in the religious community. Got to go on an amazing trip to Paris and Israel. Can't say enough about this organization.

warm atmosphere, interesting people with whom I have so much in common, always fun and excitement to spend my free hours there

One of the greatest Jewish experiences I have had. Open the doors of the world to me in ways I can't begin to explain.

I love participating in the programs at RAJE. In their short time in existence they have built the largest group of community of Russian Jews in Brooklyn. Probably the largest Jewish community in Brooklyn at the time. I never thought that I would be a part of an organization like this. But when I started, I couldn't stop going because I was meeting so many interesting people.

I've been visiting RAJE since 2004, and have had the greatest experience. This organization has come a long way by offering great educational programs, Hebrew classes, Shabbat and holiday services, as well as youth outreach programs. In fact, I met my wife at RAJE 3 yrs ago.

I have attended many programs offered by RAJE, and went on a few trips to Israel with them. RAJE helps me grow as a Jew and find many new friends. This organization gives me a sense of being part of a community.

The best prepared Staff. The most motivated organization in helping others out there!!!!!! They realy go out of the way in helping you learn and listen to you when you have issues and help you work them out

RAJE is the reason I have an understanding of what it means to be Jewish. I grew up with absolutely no knowledge about my religion other than that I was born into it. After doing 2 levels of great programs I have grown as an individual- I went from not caring about who I marry to being unable to fathom marrying a non-Jew. Learning why men wear kippas and women wear skirts, experiencing the power of Shabbat, visiting Israel with an amazing group of people, the list goes on... I attribute my newly found pride to this fantastic organization.

RAJE has been a great place to meet and connect with other young Russian Jews. Aside from the semester-long programs, everyone is welcome to attend services on holidays as well as during the regular week, which creates many great opportunities to participate and learn more about Judaism. Various other classes are held by individual rabbis in smaller settings, focusing on individualized topics of interest. These by far have been my favorite part of RAJE (I attended the class taught by Moish Soloway). Those who complete the semester-long programs are eligible to participate in a trip to Israel, which includes several days of instruction at the Aish-HaTorah in Jerusalem. The trips are an incredible experience, even for those who have previously been to Israel. Some of the trips also spend a few days in Europe, providing participants with an opportunity to explore Jewish history of other countries. RAJE is a great place and a great organization, and they are unique in Brooklyn, and as far as I know, the tri-state area. Unlike other Jewish organizations, they focus on the large Russian-speaking community, which is frequently left out of the general Jewish programming because many Russian Jews don't have a formal connection to their religion and history. They make it easy to establish a connection to your roots. I would love to see them grow and reach even more young Russian Jews, perhaps through chapters in other states. As it is, people come to RAJE not only from Brooklyn neighborhoods nearby, but also from Staten Island, New Jersey, and Connecticut.

Its a great program that helps Jewish Russians of New York meet and learn. I have gone back and sent my friends to it.

This is a great organization that brings Jewish students and professionals together and introduces them to Jewish values and traditions. There are free classes every day of the week and, of course, every Shabbat and holildays everyone is invited to celebrate.

I had a great experience with RAJE. I had an opportunity to attend some history classes and I was a participant of one of trips to Israel. I think that RAJE plays a very important role in modern Jewish community in a such a big city as New York. RAJE is the place which unite different people from different backgrounds, those people who has a strong desire to know better their history, culture and traditions. As I know there are not so many organizations today that help young people feel themselves in unity. RAJE is the great place for young people who wants to be in unity!

although my experience has been limited, it has been excellent! RAJE is very warm, welcoming and accepting. great outreach and sense of community.

they had been a home for me for many years. I could always come there and observe shabbat, learn with super friendly rabbis and meet with friends!

RAJE is an inspiration to all that participant. It is dedicated to rekindling the flame that was lost during communist times in Russia. It aims to educate our future leaders as well as encouraging outreach in the community.

RAJE is simply an inspiration. It is an excellent educational nonprofit organization that allows young Russian Jews unite and learn about themselves, their religion, their heritage, traditions, among other things that most of them have never been exposed to. The organization has numerous positive outcomes. Participants are able to interact and make new friends, acquire great knowledge from educators and rabbis, not to mention have a once in a lifetime opportunity to go on an unforgettable journey to the Holy land, the state of Israel.

My experience with RAJE has truly transformed my life. I'm more aware of my Jewish identity and what it means to be Jewish. The staff is amazing, the program is inspiring. It is a "must do" for anyone and everyone.

RAJE created a community for Russian-American Jewish students and young professionals that is very welcoming and indispensable to the local Jewish community... they have great dedicated educators and provide excellent classes... I took numerous classes in Judaic studies such as Jewish history (three-year long course, two semesters per year), pre-holiday preparation classes, Jewish values courses, courses on Tanach, courses for women only...I took one educational trip to Poland/Czech Republic/Israel with RAJE for three weeks about two years ago and it was a great trip...

Last January when I first heard about RAJE I wasn’t sure about the program at all. All I really knew was that I had friends that had done the program and enjoyed it and friends that planned to do it that spring semester. I also knew that at the end I’d get a free trip to Israel, somewhere I’ve never been but have heard amazing things about. So I decided to interview for it, I could’ve never imagined that after a few short months this one program would have such an impact on my life. There are so many memories I have from the trip because in reality every moment from the morning classes to the donkey rides to the Jordan River to Shabbat in Jerusalem to the Golani parade to the other many memories are forever imprinted in my mind. So much so that even now almost three months after the trip I still get excited talking about it and can’t wait to bring up the memories I have. But the memories aren’t the only thing remaining the connections I made with the people that shared this trip with me also remain and I can’t help but think they’ll stay forever. As well as the growth that I experienced within myself and with my faith and connection with religion is also something that’s stuck with me. I can honestly say that RAJE has not only given me an experience that I can tell my grandchildren but it’s inspired me to learn more about Judaism and to continue on the traditions that I’m learning about now to my family and hopefully my children some day and most importantly it’s connected me to Judaism in a way that I could have never imagined before.

RAJE is that one rare organization that manages to draw a large crowd but still gives each individual the attention s/he needs. Their programs and events have educated and shaped the lives of so many of my friends, leading them to become more aware and involved in the Jewish world. Words cannot express the amount of knowledge I have personally attained from their highly skillful and welcoming staff. The environment they have created has served as the foundation and structure for restoring the Jewish Community of Brooklyn and beyond. RAJE is the gem of the Brooklyn Kiruv community, and it is an organization that deserves the recognition for the myriad of mitzvot they have fulfilled!

Simply GREAT!!! Best organization out there. Brings a lot of fun and benefit to it's users. And it cost us nothing...

Raje gave me the amazing ability to go to Israel for free. Not only this, but educated us on the importance of being Jewish through lectures, activities, and overnight Shabbatons. My experiences with Raje are unforgettable and I am so happy that I had the opportunity to be part of this great organization.

RAJE lectures and programs are simply out of this world. Spiritually enriching, powerful, and thought provoking jewish experience. Greatest Russian American Jewish Experience that can be!

Great Organization!!! Helps to find jewish identety for Russian speaking jews. Participants have four and half hours sessions. Speach from a Leaders in a jewish community, lecture from a rabbi on an interesting topic, hebrew class and groups of 4 or 5 people one on one with a rabbi plus a free lunch.

They are just awesome. It's a great community of people helping us all unite and learn about judaism. They do the best trips and events and I am amazed that such an organization exists. I wish I knew it about earlier as I only found out about it at 28.

I used to spend every Shabbos at RAJE. It was the only place to meet like-minded religious Russian-speaking Jews, many of whom did not have religious homes to spend Shabbos in. For years it was my home away from home.

Since I came to America (this is for about 4 years) RAJE organization was always my second home, a place where I can grow spiritually, always find help and spend wonderful time with friends. It is by all means a unique place!!!! People working in this organization do a tremendous job, there is no another place like this...

The organization helped me reach out to hundreds of young jewish professionals, make new friends and learn more about Judaism.