My Nonprofit Reviews

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.

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